Lesson Plan: 4

Teacher(s): / Subject: Science / Unit: K-3 Phases of the Moon
Grade band(s): K-3 / Number of students: / Setting:
Lesson Objective(s):
Objective 1: Students will identify various phases of the Moon.
Objective 2: Students will observe the Moon at night and record observations in a journal.
Objective 3: Students recreate the different Moon phases using various objects (manipulatives).
Connections to the GBEs:
Standard(s):
Nature and Application of Science and Technology 3.6 Use mathematics, reading, writing, and technology when conducting an investigation and communicating the results.
Earth in Space 1.1 List objects that can be observed in the sky in the daytime and objects that can be observed in the sky at nighttime. Discuss which objects are on which lists (e.g., the Moon can be observed sometimes in the day and sometimes at night).
Essence : Objects found in the sky
E1: Identify objects that can be found in the sky according to the time of day.
E2: Sort given objects based on the time of day that can be observed.
E3: Identify if given objects are found in the sky
Earth in Space 1.3 Observe the Moon in the day sky over several months. Draw a sequence of pictures that shows the repeating cyclic pattern of the Moon.
Essence: Cyclic patterns of the Moon
E1: Use a calendar to record the position of the Moon over the course of a month.
E2: Given pictures, sequence phases of the Moon.
E3: Identify given objects as half or whole (full when referring to the Moon).
Least support / Moderate support / Most support
Identify objects that can be found in the sky according to the time of day.
Use a calendar to record the position of the Moon over the course of the month.
Match the time day to position of the Sun. / Identify objects that are the same shape as the Earth.
Given pictures, sequence phases of the moon.
Given a model, identify day and night. / Sort spheres from other three-dimensional objects.
Identify given objects as half or whole (full when referring to the Moon).
Model the rotation of the Earth.
Materials:
1. “Moon in my Room”
2. Phases of the Moon Orbit Model Materials and Instructions
3. Oreo Cookies
4, Paper plates
4. Moon Journal
Activities:
1. Review and Recap of different Moon phases: Students can select either their Phases of the Moon wheel or “Moon in my Room.” / 2. Phases of the Moon Orbit Model:
Students will make a model of the Moon’s orbit that will help better explain the changing phases of the Moon. Students should record their observations.
http://www.bobcrelin.com/FOTM-TG.pdf
3. Oreo Cookie Moon Phase Activity: Students create the Moon phases from Oreo cookies.
http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/
Oreo%20Moon%20Phases.htm
Supplemental Activities:
*Moon Phase Model:
http://www.bobcrelin.com/FOTM-TG.pdf
*Moon Phase Flip Book:
http://mrsschmelzer.blogspot.com
/2011/04/sensational-space.html
*Visit the Delaware Aerospace Environmental Outpost- they have a “Night Sky” session for Kindergarten students where Lunar Phases are discussed. http://www.dasef.org/educator/astrobits.htm
Warm-up:
Phases of the Moon song on School Tube: http://www.schooltube.com/video/bf0e5ada3fb0ea880ecb/
Key Vocabulary:
Phases of the moon / quarter moon / waxing
new moon / gibbous moon / waning
crescent moon / full moon
Barriers:
Print / Non-verbal communication
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) brainstorm:
Representation
How will instructional content and materials be presented to the students (the “what” of learning)? / Actions/ Expression
How are the students able to interact with the materials and demonstrate knowledge (the “how” of learning)? / Engagement
What interests and engages students in the learning process
(the “why” of learning)?
Teaching Strategies:
Modeling / Brainstorming
Graduated guidance / Scaffolding
Think aloud
Assessments: / Response mode:
Pre/post test
Response to questions
Journal entries
Possible accommodations to use with this lesson:
Tactile representation
Picsyms
Multimedia
Closing Activity:
Students share Oreo cookie Moon phases and can enjoy as a snack!

ACCESS Project, Center for Disabilities Studies, UD Delaware Department of Education