At The Toronto Heschel School, we believe in teaching critical and creative thinking through an interdisciplinary approach. This week, our Grade 8 students took part in a unique learning experience—the Moon Observation Party. It’s an event that brings together science, nature, and Jewish tradition, allowing our students to explore the world the way scientists do: by observing it directly.
As part of their astronomy unit, the students focused on the moon. Of all the celestial bodies, the moon plays a particularly important role in the Jewish tradition. Rosh Hashanah begins with the new moon, as does every Jewish month. For scientists, the moon offers a great opportunity for observation, as its phases and motion are easily visible and provide clues about its position relative to the sun and earth.
During the Moon Observation Party, the students applied the scientific method to investigate the moon’s position and brightness. They began by asking questions—such as “Where will the moon be tonight?”—and then made predictions. Using tools like compasses, clinometers (which they built in class!), and observation journals, they tracked the moon’s azimuth and altitude, estimating its illumination and gathering data at three intervals over the course of the evening.
In true Heschel fashion, the students followed the principle of נישא את עיינינו (nisa et einenu)—raising their eyes to the sky—as they engaged in this hands-on activity. They were inspired by our ancestors, like Avraham, who is considered by the midrash to be an ancient scientist.
Not only did the students get hands-on experience in science, but they also enjoyed a fun-filled night of pizza, roasted marshmallows, and group prayer. They had the chance to look at the moon through the school’s new telescope and observe the stars with a green laser pointer. The event was a perfect blend of learning and excitement, sparking curiosity and a sense of wonder about the night sky.
This week, students will continue their moon observations at home, building on the skills they’ve learned. By combining scientific exploration with tradition and hands-on learning, we aim to inspire in our students both the curiosity of a scientist and the awe of someone gazing at the sky—just like our ancestors.
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“Through the Classroom Window” is an opportunity for teachers to share the inspiring learning that takes place in their classrooms, giving others a glimpse into the heartbeat of the school.
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