Grade Level: 6
Subject: Science, Astronomy
Time Frame: One class period

Summary

Students will research the phases of the Earth’s moon, and work in groups to create models of the moon in its various phases.

Databases/Other Resources

Junior Edition

Procedures

Students will research the phases of the moon using the Junior Edition Database, and work in groups to demonstrate different phases of the moon using a flashlight and a basketball or soccer ball.

Steps

Steps for Teacher

• At the beginning of the exercise, show students animation of moon phases provided by the following website: http://www.valdosta.edu/~cbarnbau/astro_demos/frameset_moon.htm

• Have the students access the TEL database Junior Edition to look up articles that describe the phases in detail.

• Divide the students into groups of 2, and provide each group with a basketball or soccer ball and a flashlight.

• Give each group a name of a moon phase, and instruct the groups to keep their phases to themselves as they work together to use the ball and the flashlight to represent their moon phase. Depending on class size, there should be enough groups to represent each phase at least once. Having more than one group represent a phase will prohibit guessing by elimination at the end of the game. (It would be best if the classroom lights can be dimmed at this point to make the flashlight easier to see.)

• When the students are ready, have each group come to the front of the classroom to demonstrate their phase without telling the class which phase they are using.

• At this point, the remaining students should call out the name of the phase they see, and the game will be more interesting if the phases are presented out of order.

• Once all groups have presented, test the students’ understanding with the quiz sheet found here:http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Aae4ZtyF7O_zZDl3cG02Ml8xMTUxZGM2cTlkZGs&hl=en

Steps for Librarian

• Show students how to access the website http://www.valdosta.edu/~cbarnbau/astro_demos/frameset_moon.html using the internet.

• Show students how to access the Infotrac Junior Edition.
   
• Explain to students how the articles are indexed for the database, and indicate that mistakes do happen, as shown by the typo in the article title they are looking up. (A search for an article titled “Night Moves” will not result in the article about the moon phases.)

Steps for Student

·   Research:

o   Access the internet using the school’s computers.

o   type the URL http://www.valdosta.edu/~cbarnbau/astro_demos/frameset_moon.html into the browser.

o   Watch animation.

o   Access Infotrac Junior Edition

o   Enter the keyword terms “Nigh Moves” (this is an indexing typo for an article called “Night Moves” by Suzanne Wilson.)

o   Select “4 Pdf pages”.

o   Print Article.

o   Read Article.

• Divide into groups of two, and using the flashlight and ball provided by the teacher, work out how to demonstrate the moon phases.

• When called, go to the front of the room and demonstrate the moon phase assigned by the teacher beforehand.

• While other students are presenting, try to figure out which moon phase they are presenting.

• Test your knowledge with a quiz. (provided in assesment)
  

Related Activities

Students interested in learning more about the moon and its place in the solar system should check out NASA's moon page

Students can also create a calendar tracking the moon phases over the period of a month to test the information they learned in class.

Content Standards

Standard 6:The Universe

Learning Expectations/Grade Level Expectations

GLE 0607.6.4 Describe the different stages in the lunar cycle.

Performance Indicators State

SPI 0607.6.4 Explain the different phases of the moon using a model of the earth, moon and sun.

Assessment

Use the included worksheet to quiz students on understanding of the phases.

ISTE Computer Literacy and Usage Standards

1. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students: c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner

1.1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.

2.2. Draw conclusions, make decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.

3.3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of society.