Fly Me to the Moon

Summary

Students will develop understanding of the moon and its properties through a number of activities and an art project. An assessment for SmartBoard is designed to identify development of skills and knowledge.

Materials

Books: The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons Moonshot by Brian Floca 5 paper plates for each student 1 yard of yarn or string

Background for Teachers

Knowledge of the Neil Armstrong flight in 1969 to the moon and understanding of the moon phases and orbit.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will understand moon phases, orbit around the earth, and moon distance from the earth.

Instructional Procedures

Day 1 - Read-a-loud of Moon Book by Gail Gibbons. Students will create a Vocabulary study on two words: orbit and phases. (This is accomplished through folding unlined paper in fours and labeling each square 1 to 4. The first square will be labeled with a definition, 2nd square - picture of the word, demonstrating the word. Third - and example of the world and synonyms as well as a non-example of the vocabulary word. Fourth - vocabulary word in a context sentence.) Day 2 - Students partner read Earth and Moon book, located in Core Academy - Science site. Have students use highlighter as they read identifying words they don't know as well as important information. (This skill has been demonstrated earlier). Discuss information about moon characteristics Day 3 - Read-a-loud - Moonshot by Brian Floca. Students will write a paragraph identifying (What would you experience on a flight to the moon?) Art project - with the five paper plates and string students create a Moon Phases mobile. Day 4 - In computer lab students will experience the simulation (We choose the moon website). Day 5 - Review and discussion Assessment on SmartBoard 10 questions.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

The elements of this lesson are designed to allow students to develop knowledge on their own level. In addition, organizing partner reading for students by pairing strong readers with struggling readers will benefit both partners.

Extensions

Students can observe the moon each night to identify the moon phase and record it for 28 days. Discuss with students the term "blue moon" and create a writing lesson with a paragraph about the blue moon.

Assessment Plan

Using a Smartboard assessment that can be interactive for students. 10 questions.

Bibliography

Moonshot by Brian Floca The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons