Lesson Plan : Structure and Function of Body

Teacher Name:
 Mr. Strey
Grade:
 Grade 7-8
Subject:
 Science

Topic:
 The relationship between the earth, moon, and sun
Content:
 Day length, seasonal change due to the tilt of the earth TEKS 7.13, 7.13A
Goals:
 Students will be able to understand the relationship that the sun and earth have as well as the moon and earth and be able to apply that knowledge into making predictions about the day and the seasons.
Objectives:
 
Materials:
 flash light, globe, sticky note, blank paper, clamp lamp, masking tape, lamp and bulb without shade, protractors, 3 back thermometers, timing device
Introduction:
 1. Dim the lights and shine a flash light at a globe of the earth at the equator and then rotate it with your off hand demonstrating rotation and the students will record observations in their journal. Have some share their thoughts. 2. Place a lantern in the center of the room and position the globe to rotate at it's 23 1/2 degree angle around the lantern. Students will record what they feel is being described.
Development:
 Explain: that the sun is always shining upon the earth and that the earth takes 24 hours to rotate and only one side gets light at a time leaving the other in darkness. Explain: that the earth rotates around the sun at a 23 1/2 degree angle and that this angel lends itself to exposing the earth to different intensities of rays from the sun causing the seasons to change depending on which hemisphere you are at.
Practice:
 Different vocabulary will be presented that will describe different phenomena in the world in relation to the subject matter. Summer and Winter Solstice, Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Explain on the globe through the previous demonstration how the seasons are different depending on which hemisphere you are located.
Accommodations:
 Students will present information in groups or as the class using the globe and the lantern and showing the class again what was described and shown. This allows them to work together as a team and also demonstrate in a judgment free zone.
Checking For Understanding:
 Students will graphically represent the way that the position of the Earth and Sun affect the seasons, students will also describe how this has an effect on the length of days. The graphics of the earth will also showcase the location of the places the students have chosen.
Closure:
 Students will present the data and post the graphics around the classroom to be seen by all classes of their findings. I will clarify again the information discussed and randomly ask students to help me in the explanation to again check to make sure that they understand the concept before moving on.
Evaluation:
 As the students make graphical representations they have heard the information, been shown the information, described it with real world examples, and then they are performing it themselves. This hits many different learning styles and allows for enhanced learning. I will check each graphic and make sure each student grasped the information as I will walk around as they are making the representations.
Teacher Reflections:
 See if the students were really engaged. Before beginning the lesson the classroom will be decorated like space and stars will be present, my desk will be the sun and planets will be dispersed throughout the classroom. This should help immerse the students in the ideas I am describing. See how they performed on the graphics to see understanding.

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