Topic C: Sky Science

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GRADE 6: TOPIC C

Sky Science

Lyndsay Bender February 28, 2013

Topic C: Sky Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS Focusing Questions.......................................... ..... 3 Graphic Organizer............................................. ... 4 Unit Summary................................................. ..... 5 Unit Rationale................................................... ... 5 Unit Assessment Plan....................................... ..... 7 Learning Outcomes ......................................... ...... 9 Calendar-Unit at a Glance.................................. .. 12 Daily Unit Schedule............................ ................. 13 Materials.............................. ............................. 13 Learning Resources .................................... ......... 21

Topic C: Sky Science

Focusing Questions
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1)How does the movement of the Earth effect other objects in the sky? 2) What effect does the tilt of the Earth have on the amount of Sun we get? 3) Why can the Moons phases be predicted? 4)What makes Earth an ideal planet for humans to live on in comparison to other planets?

Topic C: Sky Science

Graphic Organizer

SKY SCIENCE

Topic C: Sky Science

Unit Summary
In the Sky Science unit, we will gain a basic understanding of the solar system and its parts. We will learn about objects in both day and night skies, including the Sun, Moon, stars and other planets. Star constellations and their positions in the night sky will be examined. The motion of Earth and other planetary bodies will be investigated to discover what causes the seasons, day and night. We will also explore the phases of the Moon and how to draw them. Finally, we will research some technologies that are used by professionals to explore our solar system. All of this knowledge will be used in a culminating performance task.

Unit Rationale
Topic Organization The first decision I had to make about this unit was in which order I would teach the outcomes. Going into the practicum, SLOs 1 and 2 will have already been covered. After contemplating flipping a few objectives, I decided that the order in the Program of Studies was sufficient. However, I chose to switch SLOs 11 and 12. This is because SLO 12 discusses the technologies used to explore and discover the parts of our solar system. I felt this SLO was good to wrap up the unit as it explains to students the reason we are able to study the unit. Choice of Activities Because this unit is almost entirely knowledge based, I decided the activities I planned should be as interactive as possible. After observation of my classes, it became clear that students needed to get up and moving quite often, in each class. With each group of SLOs I have chosen to do at least one activity that involves student participation; whether it a human solar sys tem, a shadow casting investigation or an OREO cookie moon phase activity. This will help students better understand difficult concepts, while involving kinesthetic and tactile learners. The remainder of the activities incorporate a variety of visuals, including video clips, photos and illustrations, which I planned specifically for the ESL students and the visual learners. I have chosen to do a shadow casting inves tigation that has students create a shadow stick. I decided that this type of investigative activity was important as it leads into lab procedures for

Topic C: Sky Science

recording observations, which will be used in fu ture science courses. A web quest will be used for students for the investigation of planets. This was chosen to allow students to not only get information about each of the planets, but to meet both skill and ICT outcomes through research. I have also chosen to integrate a performance task that students will receive at the beginning of the unit and may continue to work on throughout. This performance task has a variety of options for students to choose from, that incorporate each level of thinking (Blooms Taxonomy), different learning styles, while also covering each SLO. This will also act as a sponge activity whenever necessary. Choice of Assessments Throughout the course of the unit I will be assessing students both summatively and formatively. As I am teaching grade six, I feel formative assessment will be a better indicator of student understanding than summative assessments. I will use a number of formative assessments including exit slips, questioning, observations, checklists, mini-quizzes (not graded), worksheets, labs, peer and self evaluations, all of which will be used daily in the classroom. It will better help me to gauge student learning as well as adjust my teaching practices if necessary. I have only included five summative assessments, with the rest being formative. I tried to incorporate a variety of assessments that will fairly assess all students. The unit exam and tic-tac-toe task will assess all of the SLOs covered, while the other assessments cover only a few SLOs.

Topic C: Sky Science

Unit Assessment Plan

Summative Assessment Plan Grade 6 UNIT C: Sky Science GLO 6-7: Students will observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern and order in these movements.
Science Program Outcomes K 6-7.3: Movement of objects is regular. K 6-7.5: Construct shadow device. K 6-7.6: Seasonal change. S 6-1: Carry out investigation. S 6-2: Importance of accuracy. K 6-7.7: Describe moon phases. K 6-7.8: Illustrate moon phases. Assessment Methods Shadow Worksheet This worksheet goes along with an investigative activity where students will measure shadows throughout the day. Moon Phases Quiz This quiz requires students to match the name of each phase to the illustration provided, or draw the phase to match the name. Planet Passport Information collected for each planet will be added to a foldable passport. Sky Science Menu: Tic-Tac-Toe Task This will be presented at the beginning of the unit and will be ongoing until the end. Students choose three tasks on the tic-tac-toe Date March 25 Weighting 10%

March 26- 6A March 27- 6B

10%

K 6-7.9: Compare Earth to other planets. K 6-7.10: Compare moon to other planets moons. A 6-4 (All): Positive attitude for the study of science. K 6-7 (All): Describe, interpret patterns of objects movement in sky. A 6-4 (All): Positive attitude for the study of science.

April 15

15%

April 22

20%

Topic C: Sky Science

board. K 6-7 (All): Describe, interpret patterns of objects movement in sky. UNIT EXAM This exam covers all SLOs. Some questions will be taken from old PATs. April 23-6A April 24-6B 30%

*NOTE* This unit has 12 SLOs, however only 10 will be covered by me, personally. The unit exam and Tic-Tac-Toe Task will assess ALL SLOs. This explains the weighting of the above assessments. The total for the above is 85%, as the first 15% of the grade will be assigned for the first two outcomes prior to my teaching.

Topic C: Sky Science

Learning Outcomes GLOs

KNOWLEDGE Students will: 67: Observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern and order in these movements.

SLOs
1. Recognize that the Sun and stars emit the light by which they are seen and that most other bodies in space, including Earths Moon, planets and their moons, comets, and asteroids, are seen by reflected light. 2. Describe the location and movement of individual stars and groups of stars (constellations) as they move through the night sky. 3. Recognize that the apparent movement of objects in the night sky is regular and predictable, and explain how this apparent movement is related to Earths rotation. 4. Understand that the Sun should never be viewed directly, nor by use of simple telescopes or filters, and that safe viewing requires appropriate methods and safety precautions. 5. Construct and use a device for plotting the apparent movement of the Sun over the course of a day; e.g., construct and use a sundial or shadow stick. 6. Describe seasonal changes in the length of the day and night and in the angle of the Sun above the horizon. 7. Recognize that the Moons phases are regular and predictable, and describe the cycle of its phases. 8. Illustrate the phases of the Moon in drawings and by using improvised models. An improvised model might involve such things as a table lamp and a sponge ball. 9. Recognize that the other eight known planets, which revolve around the Sun, have characteristics and surface conditions that are different from Earth; and identify examples of those differences. 10. Recognize that not only Earth, but other planets, have moons; and identify examples of similarities and differences in the characteristics of those moons. 11. Identify technologies and procedures by

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SKILLS Students will: 6-1: Design and carry out an investigation in which variables are identified and controlled, and that provides a fair test of the question being investigated. 6-2: Recognize the importance of accuracy in observation and measurement; and apply suitable methods to record, compile, interpret and evaluate observations and measurements. ATTITUDES Students will: 6-4: Demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways.

which knowledge, about planets and other objects in the night sky, has been gathered. 12. Understand that Earth, the Sun and the Moon are part of a solar system that occupies only a tiny part of the known universe. INQUIRY (F) 6-1.1: Ask questions that lead to exploration and investigation. (EI) 6-1.2: Plan and carry out procedures that comprise a fair test. (EI) 6-1.3: Identify variables. (EI) 6-1.6: Work individually or cooperatively in planning and carrying out procedures. (RI) 6-1.1: Communicate effectively with group members in sharing and evaluating ideas, and assessing progress. (RI) 6-2.2: Record observations and measurements accurately, using a chart format where appropriate.

ICT OUTCOMES C.1- Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies.

Show growth in acquiring and applying the following traits: curiosity confidence in personal ability to learn and develop problem-solving skills inventiveness and open-mindedness perseverance in the search for understandings and for solutions to problems flexibility in considering new ideas critical-mindedness in examining evidence and determining what the evidence means a willingness to use evidence as the basis for their conclusions and actions a willingness to work with others in shared activities and in sharing of experiences appreciation of the benefits gained from shared effort and cooperation a sense of personal and shared responsibility for actions taken respect for living things and environments, and commitment for their care. 2.1: Access and retrieve appropriate information from the Internet by using a specific search path or from given URLs. 2.2: Organize information gathered from the Internet, or an electronic source, by selecting and recording the data in logical files or categories; and by communicating effectively, through

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C.7 - Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning.

appropriate forms, such as speeches, reports and multimedia presentations, applying information technologies that serve particular audiences and purposes. 2.1: Use a variety of technologies to organize and synthesize researched information.

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Calendar- Unit at a Glance

Monday: 6A/6B Double Science Tuesday: 6A Science Wednesday: 6B Science Thursday: 6A/6B Science Friday: FLEX period (potential for Science)

MARCH
MONDAY 4 5 TUESDAY 6 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 7 Introduction Activity 14 Shadows Throughout Day 21 Seasons & Length of Days FRIDAY 8 PD DAY

11 Earths Rotation & Night Sky 18 Shadow Graphing, Begin Seasons & Length of Days

12 Safe Sun Viewing-6A 19 Seasons & Length of Days-6A

13 Safe Sun Viewing-6B 20 Seasons & Length of Days-6B

15 Recognition Assembly- NO FLEX 22 PD DAY

25 26 Moon Phases Moon Phases SHADOW MOON QUIZWORKSHEET 6A DUE TOTAL: 12 Classes

27 Moon Phases MOON QUIZ6B

28 Moon Phases/ Eclipses

29 Easter Holidays March29-April 7

APRIL
MONDAY 1 8 The Planets 2 9 The Planets6A 16 Space TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 3 10 The Planets6B 17 Space THURSDAY 4 11 The Planets/Planets Moons 18 Performance 5 12 FRIDAY

15 Planets

19 FLEX:

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Moons/Solar System vs. Universe PLANET PASSPORT DUE 22 Exam Review PERFORMANCE TASK DUE

Technologies6A

Technologies6B

Task Work Time

Performance Task Work Time/Review

23 UNIT EXAM6A

24 UNIT EXAM6B

25 Space Fun Day Recognition Assembly- Time TBA

26 PD DAY/ Culmination Day

TOTAL: 12 Classes

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Daily Unit Schedule with Materials

Lesson #

Date

SLO #

Main Concept

Learning Activities/Teaching Strategies

Assessments

Materials

March 11

6-7.3

Earths Rotation&Night Sky

-Pre-Assessment -Human Sky -Transparency Stars -iPad App (If Available) -Hand out Performance Tasks

-Observation -Questioning -Exit Slip

-Edmonton Public book -light source -Paper stars -transparency paper w. Big Dipper on it -Overhead projector -iPad w. Space App. -exit slips -Performance task assignment sheets

March 12/13

6-7.4

Safe Sun Viewing

Hook: Kitt Peak National Observatory pictures -Direct Instruction -Safety Video -Sun Scope Model/ Spot the Sun

-Observation -Questioning -Checklist

-Pictures of sun viewers -Sun Safety video: YouTube -shoe box, foil, tape, place construction paper, white paper, cutting instrument,

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needle -checklists

March 14

6-7.5

Shadows Throughout the Day

-Hook: Sundials around the globe -Direct Instruction -Globe and Nail Demo -Shadow Stick Investigation/Data Collection

-Observation -Questioning

-pictures of sundials -globe, clay, nail, flashlight -Ruler, clay, chalk, observation sheets, graph paper

March 18

6-7.5

Shadow Graphing

-Review of last class -Complete graph for shadows throughout the day

-Observation -Questioning -Worksheet /Graph

-Worksheet/Graph paper from Edmonton Public

March 18

6-7.6

Seasons&Lengt h of Days

-Direct Instruction -Sun/Moon/Earth model -Video: Edumedia -Puzzle

-Observation -Questioning -Matching Activity

-Model -Video: Edumediasciences.com -Pre-made Puzzles

March 19/20

6-7.6

Seasons&Lengt h of Days

-Review from last class -Tilt demo -Reasons for the Seasons activity and worksheet

-Observation -Questioning -Worksheet

-Tilt/Reasons for seasons Worksheets -styrofoam ball, pencil, flashlight

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March 21

6-7.6

Seasons&Lengt h of Days

-Smart board Activity -Teach it to me!

-Observation -Questioning -Mini Quiz

-SmartBoard Activity (To be created based on student level of understanding) -Chair or stool -Mini quiz

March 25

6-7.7 6-7.8

Moon Phases

-Moon KWL chart -OREO cookie Moon Phases -Class Moon Timeline

-KWL chart -Observations _Questioning

-KWL Chart from Edmonton Public -OREO cookies, pencils, observation charts -Long piece of paper, sharpies

March 26/27

6-7.7 6-7.8

Moon Phases

-Review of last class -Ping Pong Phases -Moon Quiz

-Review -Observations -Questioning -Summative Quiz

-light source, 1 ping pong ball/student -cardboard, Styrofoam ball, pencil, black paint -quizzes

10

March 28

6-7.7 6-7.8

Moon Phases/Eclipse s

-Hook: Moon Photos -Learn Alberta Gizmos: Moon -Wonderville Moon story -Eclipses Demo

-Observations -Questioning -T/F White Boards

-BBC Moon Photos -Eclipse Demo: Tik Liem, flashlight, ball, knitting needle, large ball -Wonderville website

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-Learn Alberta Website: lps24, pswd: 4095 -Whiteboards/ markers/mitts

11

April 8

6-7.9 6-7.10

The Planets

-Human Solar System -Web quest with compare/contrast chart -Powerpoint/Poster

-Observations -Questioning -3,2,1Exit Slip

-Computers- 1/pair of students -Compare/Contrast research Chart -poster board/markers -Exit slips

12

April 9/10

6-7.9 6-7.10

The Planets

-Hook: Planet Acronym -Planet presentations -Planet Passport

-Observation -Questioning -Completion of Passport -Paper Tweet

-Legal sized paper, scissors, markers, stapler -stamp for passports -twitter symbol, postit notes

13

April 11

6-7.9 6-7.10

The Planets/Planet s Moons

-Hook: BBC Photos -Remaining Presentations -Video -Direct Instruction -Venn Diagram for Moon vs. planets moons -Worksheet

-Observations -Questioning -T/F Stand Up/Sit Down -Venn Diagram -Worksheet

-BBC Planets photos -Video: Discovery Education -Venn Diagram sheets -Venn Diagram Smartboard -worksheet

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14

April15

6-7.10

Planets Moons

-Venn Diagram -Smart board moon sorting activity -Worksheet if not finished

-Observation -Questioning -Cell Phone Poll -Worksheet -Venn Diagram

-Venn Diagram sheets -Smart board activity -Worksheet -cell phones/laptops

15

April 15

6-7.12

Solar system vs. Universe

-Planet book Hook -Spiral Galaxy -Studying Heavenly Bodies -Remaining Questions

-Observation -Questioning -Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

-Theres No Place like Space book -bucket with drain tube, water, hole punch cut outs -Galaxy simulation online -Studying Heavenly Bodies p. 119 Science Is.

16

April 16/17

6-7.11

Space Technologies

-Video hook -Computer research time -PMI chart for a technology -Class Discussion

-Observation -Questioning -PMI chart -Exit Slip

-Technology videos: CSA latest mission -PMI chart, computers -Exit slip

17

April 18

6-7 (112)

Performance Task Work Period

-Monitor student progress on Performance Task -Answer any questions

-Observation

-Tic-tac-toe board -Materials for each of the 9 tasks

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-Assist Students

18

April 22

6-7 (1-12)

Exam Review

-Review Bingo -Cue Card Review -Exam preparedness/ I can Checklist

-Observation -Questioning -Bingo sheets -Answer sheets -I Can checklist

-Bingo cards from The Solar System book -Plastic sheet covers, washable markers -Cue cards with old PAT questions, answer sheets -I can checklists

19

April 23/24

6-7 (112)

UNIT EXAM

-Monitor Exam

-Summative Exam

-Exams, extra pencils

20

April 25

6-7 (1-12)

Science Fun Day/ Catch Up Day

-Student Evaluation of my teaching -Stations -Launch a Rocket -Bingo -Earth cupcakes

-Exit Slip -Observation

-laptops x 4, baking soda, vinegar, toilet paper squares, film canister, word searches from solar system book, iPad -Bingo cards/markers -cupcakes -exit slips

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Learning Resources
Alberta Learning. (1996). The Alberta Program of Studies: Science- Elementary. Edmonton, Alberta: Crown Right of Alberta. http://education.alberta.ca/media/654825/elemsci.pdf > Retrieved February 1, 2013. Alberta Learning. (2013). The Alberta Program of Studies: ICT Program of Studies. Edmonton, Alberta: Crown Right of Alberta. <http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/ict/outcomes/div2.asp > Retrieved February 22, 2013. Bosak, S.V. (2000). Science Is: A source book of fascinating facts, projects and activities. Scholastic Teaching Resources. Boston, P. (Contributor). (2005). Space: Flying Visits. BBC Archive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/flyingvisits/10100.shtml> Canadian Space Agency. Government of Canada. < http://www.asccsa.gc.ca/eng/default.asp> Chichak, D.M.J. (2013). Science inquiry without worksheets workshop. ROM. SEATCA Teachers Convention. Medicine Hat, AB. Davies, A. (2011). Making classroom assessment work. Connections Publishing. Courtenay, B.C. Third Edition. CD <

Diehn, G. (1998). Making books that fly, fold, wrap, hide, pop up, twist & turn. Lark Crafts. New York, NY. Discovery Education Canada. (2013). Discovery Communications, LLC. Silver Spring, MD. < http://www.discoveryeducation.ca/Canada/> Edmonton Public Schools. (1997). Education.com. (2006). Topic C: Sky science. Edmonton, Alberta.

Education.com, Inc. (2002).

Redwood City, CA.

Edumedia-sciences.com.

Quebec City, Q.C. S&S Learning

Komar, M. (1999). The solar system: wonders of space series. Materials. Napanee, Ont. Learnalberta.ca (1995) Government of Alberta. Liem, T. (1987). Invitations to Science Inquiry. Inquiry Enterprises. Chino Hills, CA.

< http://www.learnalberta.ca/> Second Edition. Science

Mrazek, R. & Roscoe, K. (2012) Developing Scientific Literacy-Ideas and Strategies for Planning, Assessment, and Instruction. First Choice Books. Victoria, B.C.

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Rabe, T. (1999).

Theres no place like space.

Random House Inc.

New York, NY.

Roscoe, K. (2012). An introduction to curriculum and instruction: first steps towards effective teaching and learning. Metropolitan Publishing. Victoria, B.C. Scieszka, J. (2004). Science verse. Penguin Books Canada Ltd. Toronto, Ont. <

Wonderville.ca (2013). Phases of the moon for kids. Calgary, AB. http://www.wonderville.ca/asset/phases -of-the-moon>