Moon Phase Lesson Plan4th GradeDavid BreedenVISA330

StandardsGLE 0407.6.1 Analyze patterns, relative

movements, and relationships among the sun, moon, and earth.

GLE 0407.Inq. 4 Identify and interpret simple patterns of evidence to communicate the findings of multiple investigations.

GLE 1.1 Manipulate a variety of tools and media in a safe and responsible manner.

GLE 1.2 Apply a variety of media. GLE 1.3 Apply a variety of techniques.

Big Ideas/ Essential Questions

1. What causes the Moon to appear to change shape?

2. Does the Moon rise and set like the Sun? Why?

3. How do you think the Moon moves in Space?

New LearningVocabulary – full moon, new moon,

phases of the Moon, quarter moon, waning moon, waxing moon 

Concepts – Students will understand the phases of the Moon and it’s relationship among the sun and the Earth

Skills – Students will identify and interpret the phases of the Moon and its rotation.

Applications – When one looks at the moon at night it looks like it changes shape. How is this possible?

Learning Targets/ Objectives:Students will:Observe how the moon goes through

phasesCreate a complete series of phases

matching the appearance of the Moon.Relate moon phases to the positions of the

Earth and the Sun.Summative Assessment: Ask students if they know what a moon

phase is. Have students discuss and list possible explanations for the phenomena of moon phases.

Instructional Strategies/ ActivitiesInstructional Strategies/Activities: Demonstrating Moon Phases

Activity 1: Motion and Phase of the Moon

Phases of the Moon Flip BookPhases of the Moon Pre/Post-test Moon TrackerMoon Phase Mosaic

Materials and Resources Materials and Resources: Light bulb on a lamp stand Styrofoam ball (2” to 3” across) Small stick (used to mount Styrofoam ball) Demonstrating Moon Phases Activity 1: Motion and Phase of the

Moon (Student guide) Moon flip book pages (enough for each student) 3”X 5” file cards (16 per flipbook) Glue Wide clear packing tape Rubber bands Phases of the Moon Pre/Post-test worksheet (one for each

student) Moon Tracker worksheet (one for each student) Construction Paper Cut pieces of magazines for moon phase mosaic Blank index cards (for Exit Tickets)

Instructional Steps (Beginning)

The teacher will ask students:Have you ever noticed the moon at night? Does the moon always look the same? What do you know about the different

shapes of the moon?*Give students time to answer and discuss

their responses to these questions. Assessment: Verbal discussion of the questions will give

the teacher a chance to see what their students already know about the moon and its phases.

Instructional Steps (Middle)Content Input ( “I do” activities):Discuss how the moon has half of its surface sunlit

and the other half dark. Explain how we see different amounts of the moon’s sunlit half as it orbits the Earth. Describe the different moon phases and what we see during these phases.

Guided Practice (We do):Demonstrate moon phases (Activity 1: Motion and

Phase of the Moon)Give each student Demonstrating Moon Phases

student guide and a Styrofoam ball attached to a stick. Have them stand around the light bulb on a lamp stand. Work with students as they answer the questions on the worksheet.

Instructional Steps (Middle)Independent Practice (You do; may include Homework):

Students will complete the Phases of the Moon Pre/Post-test.

Students will create a Phases of the Moon flip book to see how the phases change. Hand out Phases of the Moon activity sheet and supplies needed to create the flipbook.

Instructional Steps (Middle)Art Integration:Students will create a moon phase

mosaic. Hand out blank pieces of paper. The student will pick one of the moon phases and draw it on this paper. Then the student will glue pieces of cut up magazines to create “color” their drawing.

Instructional Steps (Middle)Assessments:While working with students on the guided

practice the teacher can assess what the students are discovering about the moon phases and they relate to the position of the Earth and the Sun.

Phases of the Moon Pre/Post-test will assess what the students have learned and retained from the lesson.

Anticipated Learning Difficulties:Students with learning difficulties will be

allowed to work with other students if there is no Teacher’s Aid available.

ENDMoon Tracker worksheet will be

sent home for students to complete with parents. This will help parents to have a part in their child’s learning experience.

Exit Ticket: Students will draw on a blank note card one of the moon phases and the name of that phase.