Hi everyone, I'm mainly a lurker on here but I could use some help. I have asked to be changed from K to 4th or 5th grade next year, and although the principal thinks I can do it he wants to see me "in action." He has asked me to do a Math lesson (which I already have planned), and a science lesson on astronomy. I have no guidelines as to what I can or cannot do, other than Astronomy and I have one hour. I could really use any ideas you all may have for a 4th/5th grade combined lesson on Astronomy! :help:
I'd start by looking at the state standards for Tennessee to find out what is normally taught in 4th and 5th grade. I did that for you: Here they are: Earth and Space Science Content Standard: 7.0 Earth and Its Place in the Universe The student will investigate the structure of the universe. Learning Expectations: 7.1 Know that objects in space have identifiable characteristics, such as appearance, location, and apparent motion. 7.2 Investigate the patterns and movement of objects in space. Accomplishments Earth and Its Place in the Universe: 4.7.1 Know that objects in space have identifiable characteristics (e.g., appearance, location, and apparent motion). Identify and order the planets in the solar system by their distance from the sun. 4.7.2 Investigate the patterns and movement of objects in space. Recognize that the length and position of a shadow is related to the position of the sun. Demonstrate how the earth rotates and revolves. Simulate the changing shape of the moon. Performance Indicator State: As documented through state assessment, At Level 1, the student is able to 4.7.spi.1 determine the order of the planets according to their distance from the sun. At Level 2, the student is able to 4.7.spi.2 identify the phases of the moon in the correct sequence. At Level 3, the student is able to 4.7.spi.3 recognize that the length and position of a shadow is related to the location of the sun. Performance Indicator Teacher: As documented through teacher observation, At Level 1, the student is able to 4.7.tpi.1 illustrate and distinguish among the components of the solar system, (i.e., stars, planets, asteroids, meteors). At Level 2, the student is able to 4.7.tpi.2 depict planets according to their distance from the sun. 4.7.tpi.3 use appropriate instruments to study objects in the sky. At Level 3, the student is able to 4.7.tpi.4 model the positional relationship between the earth/sun and the earth/moon. 4.7.tpi.5 design a model that illustrates a lunar eclipse. ======== Earth and Space Science Content Standard: 7.0 Earth and Its Place in the Universe The student will investigate the structure of the universe. Learning Expectations: 7.1 Know that objects in space have identifiable characteristics, such as appearance, location, and apparent motion. 7.2 Investigate the patterns and movement of objects in space. Accomplishments Earth and Its Place in the Universe: 5.7.1 Know that objects in space have identifiable characteristics (e.g., appearance, location, and apparent motion). Compare and contrast characteristics of the planets. 5.7.2 Investigate the patterns and movement of objects in space. Demonstrate how moon phases occur. Explain why the moon appears to change shape. Explain the difference between rotation and revolution in the solar system. Performance Indicator State: As documented through state assessment, at Level 1, the student is able to 5.7.spi.1 identify and arrange the phases of the moon in the correct sequence. at Level 2, the student is able to 5.7.spi.2 distinguish among the planets according to specific characteristics. 5.7.spi.3 identify the force that pulls object toward the Earth. 5.7.spi.4 differentiate between the Earth’s rotation and its revolution. at Level 3, the student is able to 5.7.spi.5 recognize that the appearance of an object in the sky is affected by its size, motion, and distance from the earth. Performance Indicator Teacher: As documented through teacher observation, at Level 1, the student is able to 5.7.tpi.1 observe, draw, label, and sequence the phases of the moon. at Level 2, the student is able to 5.7.tpi.2 demonstrate the difference between rotation and revolution in the solar system. at Level 3, the student is able to 5.7.tpi.3 design a model that illustrates how the appearance of an object in the sky is affected by its size, motion, and distance from the earth. ===== If it were me, I'd choose lunar phases, and do the oreo cookie demonstration. You use oreo cookies (or mini oreos) , take off one side of the cookie, and then scrap off the creme filling to make it match the phases of the moon. If you are interested in doing this one, I'll be glad to share with you some info on how to keep the phases of the moon straight yourself and some graphics (just pm me your email addy if you want the phases of the moon graphics.)
With 4th or 5th graders, I'd do the 8 phases. http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/Oreo Moon Phases.htm
This is the lesson I wrote for my job last year-you could certainly bring it down to a fourth or fifth grade level. I can't attach, so go to this website and look for 'Lives of Stars'. http://www.realclassroomideas.com/171.html
