ESS.1.1.2
Analyze and interpret data to recognize patterns of observable changes in the moon’s appearance from day to day.
Embedded Files
District Recommended Resources for 1st Grade Science
Science Phenomena Resources
Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel
Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals
Dimension 1: SEP
Analyze and Interpret Data: Record and use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns in the moon's changes over time (NSTA SEP Matrix).
Sample Essential Questions
Sample Essential Questions
Dimension 2: CCC
Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas:
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted (A Framework for K-12 Science Education).
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
How and why does the moon appear to change shape?
How can I recognize patterns of changes in the moon’s appearance from day to day?
appearance
change
day
earth
month
moon
night
pattern
sky
stars
sun
phase
new moon
crescent
gibbous
full
waxing
waning
Students will be able to...
Students will be able to...
Observe that the moon looks a little different every day but looks the same again about every four weeks.
Developing and Using Models - Develop and/or use a model to represent patterns in the natural and designed world(s). (e.g. pictures, illustrations, charts).
Analyze and Interpret Data - Use firsthand (or from media) observations to describe observable patterns of the appearance of the moon over a period of time. (e.g. students describe changes (moon can appear bigger/smaller depending on illumination) and notice that the moon’s appearance can repeat (the cycle can start over).
Students will know...
Students will know...
The moon does not change shape.
The moon appears to change shapes over time due to its location in relation to the earth and the sun.
The moon does not create its own light. It reflects the sun's light.
There are different phases of the moon.
The moon phase pattern repeats about every 28 days.
The moon goes through a 28 day cycle because it takes 28 days to orbit the Earth.
Step 2: Assessment
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessments
Writing Prompts
Write a note or letter to a kindergartener and explain how you know the moon doesn’t actually change shape.
Use NASA’s Interactive Moon Phases to display the previous/current phase of the moon. What do you predict the phase of the moon will be tomorrow?
The moon will look like ________________ because _____________________.
The moon will be a _______________shape because yesterday it was ____________________________.
Mini Projects and Investigations
Create a model and write to explain how the Earth orbits the sun and the moon orbits the Earth.
Oreo phases of the moon activity: Have and scrape Oreo cookies to represent the various moon phases. *Use caution with food due to food allergies.
Seesaw Lesson: Sun, Moon, and Stars The “Art” Assignment challenges students to create the phases of the moon using drawing supplies, foil, or sponges and paint.
Patterns in the Sky: A Virtual Field Trip
This google site has a tab with videos to go on a virtual field trip. After viewing the videos, go to the activities tab to find different activities to further your exploration.
NCDPI Formative Assessment Examples
Culminating Activity
Create a bookcreator book about the phases of the moon. Include content vocabulary.
Moon Quiz p. 7-8
Step 3: Lesson Instructions
Possible Activating Strategies
Possible Activating Strategies
Turn and Talk:
True or False: The moon gets bigger and smaller over time.
Demonstration or Experience:
You need a small ball and a flashlight.
Place the ball and the flashlight on a table. Shine the flashlight on the ball. The flashlight is like the sun, and the ball is like Earth.
Keep the ball in one spot. Slowly spin it around. Watch as the light changes. Some parts of the ball will be dark. Some will be light. This represents night and day.
How can you use these same tools to show the phases of the moon?
Canva - Phases of the Moon Wheel
Additional Literacy Connections
epic!
The Moon Changes Shape by Kathryn Beaton
The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons
The Moon Study Jam Slide Deck
Teacher Resources
Teacher Resources
Science A-Z:
Earth, Moon, Sun and Stars Unit Resource List
Science A - Z Earth, Moon, and Sun Unit Guide
NASA - Moon Homepage
Website Link: Download Moon Phases Worksheets
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