Phases of the Moon
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Introduction
The Task
The Process
Resources
Log Book
Writing Prompt
Evaluation
Rubric for Map
Rubric for
Letter
Conclusion
The Milky Way
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IntroductionThis lesson will introduce students to our Solar System. Students will investigate the moon and its relationship to the earth and sun. The shape of the moon has observable changes that occur over the course of a month, called the phases of the moon. They will learn that the earth is part of a Solar System that includes planets, moons and a sun (star) each with distinguishable characteristics. In this investigation, the variables are controlled. Using the technology of the computer and Internet students will identify, gather and record data. Students will interpret this data, draw conclusions, and will display the properties and distinguishing characteristics in a map format. Teachers can layer this lesson according to students’ needs. For example, some students could use a blank diagram of the phases of the moon. Another aspect can be added to the lesson; students could investigate the planets and make a new proposal of a more suitable location to Globe Trotters Inc.. See Kathie Nunley’s website for more details. http://www.help4teachers.com/ The TaskYou are an inter-galactic real estate agent looking for a location for your client, Globe Trotters, Inc. to build a resort for overworked aliens. After months of searching the galaxies, you have discovered our Solar System, and have chosen the Earth’s Moon as the perfect site for your clients. You need to investigate and research this moon; your clients are very fussy and private. Globe Trotters Inc. has created a logbook for your investigation that details the important aspects of the moon. Privacy is a great concern, and your clients do not want the nosey earthlings watching the resort. You need to prove what part of the moon is visible to the earth over the course of a month by creating a map. After you have completed this project, you receive a letter from your government. They want to know all about the phases of the earth’s moon. If the moon is viable and valuable to Globe Trotters, Inc., they will need to pay taxes. It is your responsibility to report, in your own words, the details of your map, what it includes and how you did it. The Process 1. Using all the resources available to you make detailed entries in your logbook with information you have discovered about the moon. Use The Logbook.
Include the following:
2. To show how the moon is visible from the earth, create a map depicting the phases of the moon. Include in your drawing:
3. You have just finished the map depicting the phases of the moon, when you receive a letter from the Intergalactic Tax Department. They have been notified of the Globetrotters, Inc. project and need to assess it for taxes. You need to write a letter describing the moon, using all the details available to you. Be sure you write about your map and explain the phases of the moon as seen from Earth. Use the Writing Prompt. Back to topResources First
stop: http://www.uen.org/utahlink/activities/view_activity.cgi?activity_id=3035 Diagram: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/moon/Phases.shtml Current
moon and date: http://kids.mstc.nasa.gov/Earth/Moon.asp Moon
movies: http://plantescapes.com/solar/eng/moon.htm#intro Back to top
Log Book Explorer_____________________________ Evidence in the logbook: Log accurately shows the distance between the earth and moon. Log accurately describes the rate of revolution of the moon around the earth. Log accurately states the size of the moon. Log accurately describes the atmosphere of the moon. Log accurately states the temperature range on the moon. Log accurately states the internal composition of the moon. Log accurately states the gravitational force on the moon. Log entry that addresses the question: Assume the aliens are roughly the same bodily composition as humans, how will the gravitational force affect them? Log includes three (3) interesting facts about the moon. Back to top Writing Prompt You have just finished the map depicting the phases of the moon, when you receive a letter from the Intergalactic Tax Department. They have been notified of the Globetrotters, Inc. project and need to assess it for taxes. You need to write a letter describing the moon, using all the details available to you. Be sure you write about your map and explain the phases of the moon as seen from Earth. Use this Writing Prompt.
In your own words, what do you need to do?
Use the format shown below on another sheet of paper.
Back to top EvaluationEvidence in the logbook:
Assume the aliens are roughly the same bodily composition as humans, how will the gravitational effect them?
Back to top Rubric for Map
Back to topRubric for
Letter
Back to top ConclusionThe information students gather and record in the logbook and the details and accuracy of the phases of the moon map will determine the effectiveness of this lesson. The letter the students write will provide further evidence of learning. Based on these results the teacher can reevaluate the methods and strategy of the lesson. |
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