Phases of the Moon

Author: Donna Custodio  11/10/2002 07:54:00 PM PST		 TaskStream - Advancing Educational Excellence

VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
Elementary, Mathematics, Reading, Science
 
Topic or Unit of Study:
3rd Grade Earth Science
 
Grade/Level:
3
 
Objective:
Students will learn the way in which the Moon's appearance changes during the four week lunar cycle.
 
Summary:
Students will work on a webquest to study the moon phases. Students will discover their birthday moon phase and graph the information.
 
IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Context:
This is one lesson in a 3rd grade Earth Science unit. After completing the unit students will demonstrate how objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns by making a slide show.
 
Procedure:
1. Use the study sheet to gather information about the moon phases.

2. Go to the moon phases site and find your birthday moon. Moon Phases

3. Get a index card from the webquest supply station and draw a picture of your own birthday moon for this year. Make sure you put your name, birth date, and identify your lunar phase on your card. You will use this card for the class birthday moon graph.

4. Put your card on the class Moon Graph.

5. Familiarize yourself with the four phases and then the eight phases of the Moon. Cut out the different phases from the Cut n' Paste Worksheet #1 and paste them to your phases of the moon worksheet. Use the picture from the phases of the moon to help you. Please add: Where the sun is located
The Moon's orbit around the Earth Darken the side of the Earth that is away from the Sun.
 
Sample Student Products:  
 
Collaboration:
Students will work collaboratively & individually. Students will work in groups of 2.
 
Time Allotment:
3 class periods. 30 Min. per class.
 
Author's Comments & Reflections:  
 
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
Instructional Materials:
Links
  1. Study Sheet
  2. Cut'N Paste Sheet
  3. Phases of the Moon Worksheet
  4. Moon Graph
 
Resources:
  • Materials and resources:
    The number of computers required is 1 per pair of students.
    Technology resources:
    Internet Explorer
    Materials and resources:
    computers with internet access, printer, paper, pencils, scissors, glue.
    Students Familiarity with Software Tool:
    students must be familiar with navigating the internet,
    WebQuest


Links
  1. Earth Science For Third Graders This Webquest will be used to teach all of the 3rd grade stadards for Earth Science. Use the Moon Phases, or Task one, to meet the goals of this lesson.
 
STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT
Standards:
CA- California K-12 Academic Content Standards
• Subject : Science
• Grade : Grade Three
• Area : Earth Sciences
• Sub-Strand 4: Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns. As a basis for understanding this concept:
 Standard b: Students know the way in which the Moon’s appearance changes during the four-week lunar cycle.
 
Assessment Plan:
You will be evaluated on your study sheet, phases of the moon paper and your graph.
 
Assessment/Rubrics:
Rubrics
  1. Moon Phases*