Begin with a captivating discussion about the moon's brightness in the night sky and introduce the concept that the moon reflects sunlight.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Earth and the Moon
Learning Objectives
- Understand that the moon does not create its own light but reflects sunlight.
- Recognize that the moon appears to move across the sky due to Earth's rotation.
- Identify the moon's path around the Earth and its 28-day revolution period.
- Describe the phases of the moon and how they are caused by changing illumination.
- Predict the phases of the moon based on its predictable movement pattern.
Introduction and Hook
Show the video 'Our Planet and Our Moon' to highlight the relationship between Earth and the Moon, emphasizing how sunlight reflects off the Moon's surface.
Direct Instruction
Explain the moon's movement across the sky due to Earth's rotation and introduce the concept of the moon's 28-day revolution period.
Use the 'Movements of the Moon' video to visually demonstrate how the moon orbits the Earth and reflects sunlight, aiding in understanding the lunar cycle.
Guided Exploration
Engage students in identifying the phases of the moon and how they change due to varying illumination.
Watch 'Phases of the Moon – Viewed from Southern Hemisphere' to help students visualize and understand the moon's phases from a different perspective.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a hands-on activity where students use a foam ball and lamp to simulate the moon's phases, observing changes in illumination.
Use the 'Movement of the Moon' assessment to guide students in creating models that explain why the moon appears to change shape.
Independent Practice
Assign students to observe the moon over a week, recording its phases and predicting future phases based on its movement pattern.
Check for Understanding
Facilitate a class discussion to review students' observations and predictions about the moon's phases.
Use the 'Observing the Moon' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of the moon's movement and phases.
Review and Reflection
Reflect on the moon's predictable patterns and how they allow us to anticipate its phases.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on why understanding the moon's phases is important.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Earth and Space Patterns' assessment to test comprehension of the unit's key concepts.
Try the Quiz
Encourage further exploration by watching 'The First Man on the Moon' to inspire curiosity about space exploration.
