Sparkling Stars, Changing Moon (2
nd
Heather Ford
Grade)
Date
September 2016
Unit Overview
Title
Sparkling Stars, Changing Moon
Focus Questions
What are the changes that occur with our stars? How do these changes impact the earth?
How is the Earth affected by the phases of the moon?
Unit Summary
This is a science unit designed to motivate students to investigate the position of the sun and moon and explore
their yearly movements across the sky.
Subject Area(s): Science, Reading, Writing, and Communication
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Standards
Essential Academic Learning Requirements:
ELA2R The student demonstrates the ability to read orally with speed, accuracy, and expression. The
student
d. Reads second-grade texts at a target rate of 90 words correct per minute.
ELA2R3 The student acquires and uses grade-level words to communicate effectively. The student d.
Determines the meaning of unknown words on the basis of context.
ELA2W1 The student demonstrates competency in the writing process. The student
d. Begins to create graphic features (charts, tables, graphs).
f. Begins to write a response to literature that demonstrates understanding of the text and expresses and
supports an opinion
AASL Standards Addressed:
Inquire, Think Critically, Gain Knowledge
1.3 Responsibilities
1.3.4 Contribute to the exchange of ideas within the learning community.
Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
2.3 Responsibilities
2.3.1 Connect understanding to the real world.
ISTE Technology Standards Addressed:
Creativity and Innovation:
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to
support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
Learning Outcomes
Sparkling Stars, Changing Moon (2
nd
Grade)
The students will:
Communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly.
Investigate the position of the sun in relation to a fixed object.
Determine how the shadows change through the day.
Relate the length of day and night to the change in seasons.
Student Assessment
K-W-L Chart
Video Presentation
Plickers
Unit Implementation
Unit Activities
Activity 1:
Have students to write what they know about stars on a post-it note, and place it on a K-W-L class chart.
Have students to write down what they want to know about stars and place it under the W.
Give each student a star to write using the sentence starter Stars are awesome because
Allow students to decorate the stars.
Read Our Stars by Anne Rockwell for story time.
Have students to make a list of what they have learned on a post-it note, and place it under the L.
Activity 2:
Have students to record everything that they know about the moons phases in 2 minutes.
Allow students to follow along with the reading of Werewolf Moon by Juliana Hanford and illustrated by
Cary Pillo (found on Mackinvia).
Description Chart Have students to write down descriptions given of the moon important keywords.
Think-Pair-Share Have students to discuss whether or not the main character gave an accurate
description of the moon.
Visit the Moon Split the class in half. Use Google Earth to take a trip to the moon. Have students to
record what they see in their description chart. Allow students to use the interactive projector to navigate
through the moon.
Thinglink Have students to work with Thinglink while the rest of the students are on the virtual field trip.
Students will complete activities related to moon phases.
https://www.thinglink.com/scene/842951023545810945
Use https://www.sli.do/home to have students to write what they learned about the moon or questions
they still have after the lesson.
Activity 3:
Have students to explore research-based resources on Mackinvia about the sun, stars, and moon.
Have students to work in group of 2 to create videos or presentations about what they have
learned.
Allow students to present their videos to the class.
