Why do shadows change throughout the day? What causes the seasons? How can observations of the sky help students develop mathematical understanding?
This interactive session uses astronomy and Earth-space science phenomena as a context for mathematical inquiry and STEM sensemaking. Participants will engage in practical demonstrations and hands-on activities related to shadows, seasonal change, Earth’s motion, scale, geometry, and observation. Through simple classroom-friendly models and collaborative investigations, the session will highlight how mathematics can serve as a powerful tool for interpreting and explaining scientific phenomena.
The session will emphasize inquiry-based and cross-curricular approaches that encourage curiosity, observation, prediction, reasoning, and discussion. Activities are designed to be adaptable for upper primary, early secondary, and teacher education settings and will include ideas for both indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Participants will leave with practical strategies, lesson ideas, and resources that support interdisciplinary STEM teaching while helping students see mathematics as meaningful, relevant, and connected to the world around them.
As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to: • use simple models and demonstrations to explain shadows, seasons, and Earth’s motion • facilitate interdisciplinary STEM activities that integrate science inquiry and mathematical reasoning • adapt astronomy-based investigations for classroom and outdoor learning contexts • support student observation, prediction, and sensemaking through hands-on learning experiences • identify opportunities for cross-curricular connections between mathematics and science
Background: This session draws upon interdisciplinary STEM teaching experiences developed through teacher education, classroom practice, and collaborative work focused on inquiry-based mathematics and science instruction. Our work explores how astronomy and Earth-space science phenomena can provide accessible and engaging contexts for helping students connect mathematical reasoning with scientific observation and real-world experiences.
The approach has been shaped through collaboration with STEM educators and ongoing work in teacher preparation focused on experiential learning, mathematical sensemaking, and cross-curricular STEM integration. Attention has been given to helping learners visualize abstract concepts through movement, modelling, measurement, and observation.
