Moon Appearance
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to observe, describe, and record patterns of objects in the sky, including the appearance of the Moon.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky.
Science Background
Earth and Moon Cycles: BioEd Online and K8Science (video) - Patterns of motion that can be observed in the sky among the Sun, Earth, and the Moon are explained and illustrated.
Earth and Moon Cycles
by Brenda Lary, BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
23.5 Degrees: K8Science (video) - Explains the seasonal patterns caused by the motion of Earth around the Sun.
23.5 Degrees
by Gregory Vogt, BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
Signature Lesson
Observing The Moon: The University of Texas at Austin (PDF) - Students observe the appearance of the moon, describe and record their observations over time, and make sketches in their notebooks.
Observing The Moon
The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, www.stardate.org
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Modeling the Night Sky: The University of Texas at Austin (PDF) - Kinesthetic activity in which students model the night sky and its patterns of change by acting as parts of the solar system.
Modeling the Night Sky
The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, www.stardate.org
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
Motion of the Sun and Earth: Eye on the Sky, Project FIRST (website) - Students create a classroom (indoor) model and record the motion of Earth and the Sun.
Motion of the Sun and Earth
Eye on the Sky, Project FIRST, www.eyeonthesky.org
Motion of the Sun and Earth: Project FIRST (website) - Students create a playground-sized (outdoor) model to study the rotation of the Earth and the Sun, and the Earth’s revolution around the Sun.
Motion of the Sun and Earth
Eye on the Sky, Project FIRST, www.eyeonthesky.org
Assessment Ideas
Have students draw pictures of the sky, indicating where the Sun rises, where it is at noon, and where it sets. Also have students draw pictures showing the Moon’s appearance as it passes through different phases during the month.
Literature Connections
Long Night Moon. Rylant, Cynthia. (ISBN: 978-0689854262)
Phases of the Moon. Olson, Gillia. (ISBN: 978-0736896177)
Additional Resources
What Makes Day and Night? Project FIRST (website) - A two-part activity that combines literature with students’ modeling of Earth’s rotation to explore what makes day and night.
What Makes Day and Night?
Eye on the Sky, Project FIRST, www.eyeonthesky.org
TEKS Navigation
Grade 2
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