The Lunar Cycle

In this lesson, students learn about the Moon's changing appearance and its pattern of movement. Through class discussion, activities, and multimedia resources, students explore the phases of the Moon and are introduced to the concept of orbital motion. The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, is easily observed with the naked eye. Over the course of one month, students observe and investigate its full range of appearances and its pattern of movement in the sky. Students then model the sun, earth and moon system in the classroom.
Resource ID#: 4474 Type: Lesson Plan
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Direct Link: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.lp_lunarcycle/

General Information

Subject(s): Science
Grade Level(s): 4
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Suggested Technology: Computers for Students, Internet Connection, LCD Projector, Speakers/Headphones
Instructional Time: 3 Hour(s)
Resource supports reading in content area:Yes
Freely Available: Yes
Keywords: moon, earth, sun, rotation, orbit, lunar cycle, phases, gravity, force
Instructional Component Type(s): Lesson Plan,  Video/Audio/Animation
Instructional Design Framework(s): Learning Cycle (e.g., 5E)
Resource Collection: iCPALMS

Aligned Standards

This vetted resource aligns to concepts or skills in these benchmarks.

Aligned Access Points

This vetted resource aligns to concepts or skills in these access points.

SC.4.E.5.In.2
Label three phases of the moon, including full, half (quarter), and crescent.

SC.4.E.5.Su.2
Identify a full moon and a half (quarter) moon.

SC.4.E.5.Pa.2
Recognize a full moon as a circle.

SC.4.E.5.In.4
Recognize that the Sun appears to rise and set because of Earth’s rotation in a 24-hour day.

SC.4.E.5.Su.4
Recognize that the side of Earth facing the Sun has daylight.

SC.4.E.6.In.5
Identify tools used to observe things that are far away and things that are very small.

SC.4.E.6.Su.5
Recognize tools that will make things look larger, such as a telescope and a magnifier.

SC.4.E.6.Pa.5
Recognize that something has been magnified.

SC.4.N.1.In.1
Ask a question about the natural world and use selected reference material to find information, observe, explore, and identify findings.

SC.4.N.1.Su.1
Ask a question about the natural world, explore materials, observe, and share information.

SC.4.N.1.In.4
Communicate observations and findings through the use of pictures, writing, or charts.

SC.4.N.1.Su.4
Record observations using drawings, dictation, or pictures.

SC.4.N.1.Pa.3
Select an object or picture to represent observed events.

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