Lesson Plan
TEKS: 4.8 Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among the Sun, Earth, and Moon system. The student is expected to:
(C) Collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in the observable appearance of the Moon over time.
4.3 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. The student is expected to:
(C) Represent the natural world using models…and identify their limitations, including accuracy and size.
Concept: Lunar Cycle
Content Objective:
I will make a model of the Sun/Earth/Moon system and identify its limitations
I will collect data (observations) of the moon over time
I will look at my data to find a pattern in the moon
I will use what I know about the moon’s pattern to predict the next or previous phase of the moon
ENGAGE |
Agenda: TLW be given a card that says “My Birthday Moon” with the following instructions:
TTW question students:
TTW discussion and set learning goal (transition to explore activity):
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Key Concepts, Vocabulary, and Question Stems: Moon, appear See question stems above |
Gifted and Talented Strategies or Alternative Tasks: |
Sheltered Instruction Strategies: visual references |
EXPLORE |
Set up: Bare light bulb in socket – about eye height, table tennis balls on skewers TTW set goal for activity: In this activity, we will make a model of the Sun, Earth, and Moon to show why the moon appears different each night.
TTW pair students. TTW, in pairs, follow teacher’s prompts:
Part 1:
Part 2:
TTW repeat the activity, this time collecting data/recording the appearance of the moon as it revolves. Student pairs will discuss their observations and record them on the record sheet to complete the task. |
Key Concepts, Vocabulary, and Question Stems: represent, moon, phase, appear, lit, new moon, full moon, model, limitations
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EXPLAIN |
Agenda: (Use the activity “Lunar Looking” from AIMS TX 4th Grade Earth Science) TTW ask students to explain what they learned during the exploration:
TSW each receive a set of moon phase cards. TSW, in groups (combining cards) each receive eight cards. TSW then draw a card from the hand of any player and replace that card with one of their own. The first person to collect a complete moon sequence wins. TSW re-distribute cards so each player has one of each phase. TSW, using record sheet from explore, place the phases of the moon in order. TTW probe with questions:
TSW assemble the “Lunar Looking Turn-Around Page” and label the phases from the cards. TTW probe with questions:
TSW flip the pictures over, TTW repeat the questions. |
ELABORATE |
Agenda: TSW, in partners, practice what they know. TSW place the moon phase cards in order. They may check with partners and refer back to previous activity, if needed. TSW ask each other the following questions (on cards):
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EVALUATE |
Agenda: TSW order the phases of the moon and answer some open-ended questions regarding the Sun/Moon/Earth system and lunar phases.
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PROJECT
TSW be asked to take pictures of the moon for a whole month at 9:00pm. They are to also keep a log to record the weather conditions for that night and any other personal notes. The students will be asked to create a photostory using photostory 3.
Materials:
Computer with internet connection and printer
United streaming video of moon phases
Science book
Camera
Construction paper, poster boards.
Modeling clay, foam balls
Paint, paint brushes
Markers, Crayons
Glue, scissors, tape
Photostory 3
Powerpoint
Microphone
Which phase follows new moon? |
Which phase comes before new moon? |
Which phase follows full moon? |
Which phase comes before full moon? |
Which phase follows waxing crescent moon? |
Which phase comes before waxing crescent moon? |
Which phase follows first quarter moon? |
Which phase comes before first quarter moon? |
Which phase follows waxing gibbous moon? |
Which phase comes before waxing gibbous moon? |
Which phase follows waning gibbous moon? |
Which phase comes before waning gibbous moon? |
Which phase follows third quarter moon? |
Which phase comes before third quarter moon? |
Which phase follows waning crescent moon? |
Which phase comes before waning crescent moon? |
How does the moon change when it is waxing? |
How does the moon change when it is waning? |
Where is the moon compared to the Earth and Sun when it is new moon? |
Where is the moon compared to Earth and Sun when it is full moon? |