Moon+Phases

4th Grade - Lunar Phases

Objective: Given a calendar with images, the student will analyze lunar phases and predict the pattern using digital tools (Animoto, Blabberize, Photostory, Stupiflex, Kidblog) with 100% accuracy.

Set: [] Ask students what they see. Do they see a pattern? What does this look like? Create a KWL chart.

Purpose: The purpose of learning the Lunar Phases is to identify why the moon looks like it changes shape in the sky over the course of month and identify the pattern of that change.

Input: Teacher will show brainpop video up to 1:12 [|BrainPop Lunar Phases]

Guided Practice In small groups, students will interact with the web site [|Lunar Phases] in order to collect data on the patterns they notice over the course of several consecutive months. Observations will be recorded in their personal journals. As a group, the students will analyze their collected data from Lunar Phases and form a statement that represents their data analysis. One member of the group will post that statement on a classroom Google doc that is viewable on the ActivBoard. As a whole class, evaluate all of the observations. Each of the newly formed four groups will create a digital product they will use to teach their topic to the class.

Independent Practice Give students a calendar with several days missing, students will work in teams to complete the blank days with the appropriate cut-out picture of the moon phase (independently or with a partner). In small groups, students will create a digital tutorial (Animoto, Blabberize, Stupeflix, Jing, etc.) to demonstrate their understanding of the patterns of the physical appearance of moon phases.

Other variations of the lesson Create two expert groups for each of the following topics:
 * shadows
 * tide
 * seasons
 * appearance of the moon

The goal for each group is to collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change over their assigned topic. Observations will be recorded in their personal journals. As a group, the students will analyze their collected data from Lunar Phases and form a statement that represents their data analysis.The two "like" groups will conference with each other and compare their data analysis. The new group will synthesize and agree on a common statement. One member of the group will post that statement on a classroom Google doc that is viewable on the ActivBoard. As a whole class, evaluate all of the observations.

Closure Students will load their product onto their KidsBlog and share with other students or classes in the school.

Enrichment: There is a free iPod Touch/iPad application named Moon where students can view what the moon looks like on each day. Compare the same day from year to year.