Unit Plan

Moon Watch: Observing the Lunar Phases with a Model

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Moon Watch: Observing the Lunar Phases with a Model unit plan also includes:

How do you know the moon is going broke? It's down to its last quarter. The lesson provides a more accurate way to teach lunar phases, emphasizing not only naming or understanding them, but being able to explain why they occur. Additionally, it offers pre-lab activities, data collection sheets, lunar layout sheet, and worksheets.

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CCSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Use a class discussion to bring up any past models of lunar phases students have completed and the limitations of each
Classroom Considerations
  • Pupils need to observe and record the moon for six to eight weeks before beginning the lesson
  • Paint the ping pong balls well before the lesson
  • Requires prior knowledge of how to use a protractor
Pros
  • Includes assessment of prior knowledge, pre-lab discussion, formative assessment questions, and a summative assessment activity
  • Provides answer key for easier grading
  • Addresses higher-level thinking skills, giving pupils more of a challenge
Cons
  • None