Students Shine with GLC as they Reach for the Stars

Step into Annette Hines’ first-grade classroom at Osolo Elementary, and you’ll find something magical happening—science coming to life in the most exciting way! Recently, her students embarked on an out-of-this-world adventure with the Patterns in the Sky lab lesson from the GLC Sun, Moon, and Stars unit. The excitement in her class was sky high! This wasn’t just another lesson—this was hands-on, minds-on, exploring, discovering and making real-world connections!🚀✨ 

From the moment the lesson began, Mrs. Hines’ energy and enthusiasm set the tone. Her students weren’t just learning about the Moon’s movement—they were building models, making connections, and uncovering new discoveries. As they worked, excitement grew. They eagerly recalled details from previous labs, applying what they had learned in fresh, meaningful ways. With each new insight, their understanding deepened, transforming curiosity into real scientific thinking!

Excited chatter filled the room as students created their Earth and Moon models—turning simple paper cutouts into powerful learning tools! With their models in hand, the students opened their Student Data Notebooks and flipped back through their previous observations to help them accurately position the Moon in relation to the Earth. They weren’t just recalling facts; they were thinking critically.... like real scientists!  It was more than an activity—it was an exploration of the universe right in their classroom! 🌎🌙✨The hands-on approach kept them fully engaged and eager to learn more. 

“I love science! We get to make things to help us learn about things better.”

The lesson didn’t stop there... Mrs. Hines dove into the STEM Career Connections section, making science careers feel real and exciting. Instead of just reading about meteorologists and astronomers, she brought them to life by connecting them to local places and people.  Using stories and real-world examples. The students could see the impact of STEM careers in their own community!

I love when boys and girls are scientists in the classroom, and have dreams of continuing their education in science!

After the hands-on exploration, students bring their discoveries to life in the Scientist Notes section. Reviewing their data sheets, sketching and writing about what they’ve learned...just like real scientists! 

With every discovery made, and every exciting “aha!” moment, these young explorers prove that science isn’t something you just read about—it’s something you DO!  

That’s what makes the GLC Curriculum so powerful! With hands-on lessons, real-world connections, and STEM career pathways woven into every unit, students don’t just learn about science—they experience it, explore it, and own it!

And with their curiosity ignited, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of their incredible scientific journey!

Mrs. Hines fosters a classroom culture of wonder, creativity, and exploration. Her students aren’t just learning about science—they’re thinking like scientists!