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Science
... Astronomy Unit Lesson Plan...

1
Learning Intention:
To understand the movement, shape and relation of the sun, earth and moon to each other
Instruction and differentiated activities:
Inquiry method to identify shape, size, distance, relative proportion and movement of the earth sun and moon in relation to each other.
(See complete lesson plan 1)
Resources:
*Locate pictures of the Earth, Sun and Moon from books
*SEN worksheet (three circles of different sizes)
* The nine planets - Worksheet
ICT Opportunities:
*Partial Picture of the Sun
2
Learning Intention:
To investigate the spherical shape of the earth
Instruction and differentiated activities:
Using a model of the Earth, investigate the shape
Compare with similar picture from an atlas
Use lines of longitude and latitude to locate destinations
Identify time zones and note that different areas have different times.
Resources:
*Model of Earth
*Atlases
*Hours, Days and Weeks Worksheet (Tic Toc Worksheet)
*SEN Hours, Days and weeks Worksheet (Tic Toc Worksheet SEN)
ICT Opportunities:
*The Sun, Earth and Moon: (scroll down for earth rotation)
*Rotation of the Earth: Shows present day/night state of the earth
3
(1-2 lessons)
Learning Intention:
To understand the relationship between the Sun, Earth and Moon - and the effect of their movement to Earth (day and night; seasons; horizon; compass directions)
Instruction and differentiated activities:
Revise the placement of the relevant celestial bodies.
Discuss the sun and causes of sunrise and sunset.
Practical activity on the horizon (compare something approaching you on a flat surface, and on a curved one)
*See Detailed Lesson Plan for More Information
Resources:
*Model of the Earth
*Night and Day Worksheet
*Paper and cardboard (cardboard for ship silhouette, paper for flat, and curved surfaces)
*Horizon Worksheet
ICT Opportunities:
*Seasons (Good diagrams for more able students)
4
Learning Intention:
To investigate compass directions
(a time to introduce the sun and direction of the sun's rays together with shadows - lonitudinal)
(Latitudinal differences - 24hr time zone could also be investigated - time and class permitting)
Instruction and differentiated activities:
Resources:
ICT Opportunities:
* World Map, showing present day and night positions - (and position of the moon)
*Living Earth
5
Learning Intention:
To understand investigate shadows
Instruction and differentiated activities:
-shadows change in length and direction over a day
-shadows form when light is blocked
Resources:
(See ICT)
ICT Opportunities:
*The Sun, Earth and Moon: (scroll down for shadows)
6
Learning Intention:
To investigate phases of the moon
Instruction and differentiated activities:
Resources:
ICT Opportunities:

*Exploring the Moon - NASA slide set (36 slides in total)
*Current Phases of the Moon
*Moon Phases for the Current Month
*Phases of the Moon: still images abstract images with description short animation at the bottom of the page
*Moon Phases: Javascript applet (look for the 'both' view)
*Phases of moon: (short mpg)
*Rotating Moon: (a short mpg)
*Night side of the earth
*The Sun, Earth and Moon: (scroll down for moon phases)

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Last modified: 25 July 2005
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