Much of what transpires here on Earth is seasonal or cyclical. From the Earth’s 24-hour orbit on its axis to its 365-day orbit around the sun, we can track many of these cyclical patterns in terms of hours or days. But they also exist in terms of years! Even millennia! Comets are an excellent example of a larger cyclical pattern we track according to time. Annually we pass through the same tails of comets, but on a larger scale, comets orbit around the sun, passing by the Earth on a more cosmic timeline. For instance, the newly discovered Comet NEOWISE passes by the earth every 6,800 years! For today’s self-directed learning module, we will let comets lead the way, asking questions and seeking answers: What’s the difference between comets, asteroids, meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites? What do you see during a meteor shower? What is NASA’s plan to save the Earth from a giant asteroid? What do we know about the Chelyabinsk Meteor? – When is the next meteor shower? Shoot on over to the American Meteor Society to find out!
Strawberries can be a powerful educational tool, connecting self-directed learners to the ways in which Native American Nations, such as the Algonquins, used lunar cycles
Change is constant, blending old patterns into new ones. Each month brings subtle shifts, visible in clouds, mountain horizons, or wildflowers. Beyond familiar shapes like
Sunscreen traces a path from early sun-protective practices to the chemistry of modern formulas. Ancient methods—using minerals, oils, or shade—reflect a long-standing attention to sunlight
