SCIENCE BOX OVERVIEW
Kit #9
Name: “Is the Moon Changing Shape?”
Grade Level: 2-4
Content Strand: Earth & Space Science
Content Standard and Description: Solar System & Universe – Students understand the planets in our solar system, and that there are moons for different planets. Also students will understand the different phases of the moon and the sun, and how both of them work to heat and give light to the earth.
Summary: Teachers who use this kit will find that there are all kinds of fun that their students will have. Dive in as students will learn using items such as a mini solar oven, a Styrofoam solar system, a telescope, and a wide variety of books. Students will learn all about the solar system including what there is in it, and how it functions in accordance with earth.
Learning Cycle Lesson Plans: Here is the list of the lesson plans in this kit.
1. “The Phases of the Moon” – Students are introduced to the phases of the moon and how and why the moon moves. Using Styrofoam models of the solar system, students will get the hands on experience that will make learning fun for them.
2. “The Sun” – Students will learn that the moon has no light of its own, but it is reflecting off of the sun and down to earth. Using the solar oven, kids will learn about the heat the sun projects down on earth and how it can be used for energy.
What to Expect: When teachers are done with this kit, they can come to expect a few things from their students depending on their grade level. From the second graders, they will know that the moon has different phases, and that the stars, sun, and moon move across the sky everyday. They will also know that the sun rises everyday and that the moon may also rise during the day. From your third and fourth graders, you can expect them to know that plus the solar system and its contents, that the sun is a big star that is just closer than they rest, and the star patterns (e.g. some constellations).
Evaluations: Here is what other teachers have said about this box.