Star Students

Natalie Brown

Jessica Schwien

Math & Science Methods

Microteaching

November 13, 2002

Star Students

Standards:

Math: Standard 2 - The student uses algebraic concepts and procedures in a variety of situations. Benchmark 1 - The student recognizes, describes, extends, develops and explains relationships in patterns from a variety of situations involving second grade content. Indicator 1 - Using concrete materials, drawings or other representatives, the student identifies and continues patterns presented in a variety of formats: numeric, visual, oral, kinesthetic, pictorial, tabular, graphical or listing.

Science: Standard 4 - Earth and Life Science - As a result of the activities for grades K - 2, all students will observe closely the objects and materials in their environment. Benchmark 2 - All students will observe and compare objects in the sky. Indicator 2 - Recognize sun, moon, stars.

Process Skills: Observing, Communicating

Learning Styles: Bodily-Kinesthetic, Visual-Spatial, Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathmatical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal.

Goal: To begin teaching students about stars and constellations.

Background Information:

The stars are always visible from Earth, but the suns light usually prevents the stars from being seen during the day.

The sun is a star. The sun is the closest star to Earth.

There are patterns among the stars. These are called constellations.

Constellations were named and given stories by the first people.

Stars and constellations will change as the world revolves and the seasons change.

Prerequisite Information:

There are stars in the sky, which glow and are visible at night.

The sun is an example of a star.

The suns light blocks the stars light during the day because the sun is brighter.

The students are able to work in cooperative groups.

Student Level: Second Grade

Exploration Phase

Objectives: Using an umbrella with star stickers on the inside, the student will discuss with their group what they already know about stars. Participation will occur with 95 or more percent of students discussing with their group.

Materials: Black umbrellas with glow in the dark star stickers on the inside; Question sheets to lead group discussion.

Introduction of Lesson: The teachers will announce that the students will begin learning about stars today. Umbrellas and question sheets will be handed out, one to each table.

Procedure: The teachers will announce that the students will begin learning about stars today. Umbrellas and question sheets will be handed out, one to each table. The students will be instructed to hold the umbrella above their table, and the lights will be turned off. Students will observe the star stickers glowing in each umbrella. The lights will be turned back on, and students will discuss the questions on their question sheets. Then as a group, the students will make a KWL chart for what they already know about stars, and also what they want to know about stars.

Evaluation supports Objectives: The teachers will observe student discussion to assess what is already known about stars.

Invention Phase

Objective: Each student will find out the answer to a question they have about stars with 95% accuracy. Books will be provided for student use.

Materials: Books about stars, a blank card for each student, pens, The Sky is Full of Stars book.

Procedure: The teachers will tell the students that they will now have the chance to learn something new about stars. Each student will be given a pen and a blank card. On one side of the card, the student will write a question they have about stars. They can choose a card from the KWL chart, or write one of their own. The book The Sky is Full of Stars will be read. Books about stars will be handed out, and the students will look through the books to find the answer to their question. They will then write the answer on the other side of the card.

Evaluation supports Objectives: The students will be assessed on their ability to stay on task and find the answer to their question.

Expansion Phase

Objective: Using a provided worksheet, the student will create a constellation between the printed stars. The teachers will assess the worksheets to see that the students grasp the concept of a pattern between the stars.

Materials: Constellation worksheets, pencils.

Procedure: The teachers will ask the students if they noticed any patterns in the stars while they were researching for their question. The teachers will discuss how these patterns are called constellations. The constellations were given names and stories by people who lived long ago. The students will have an opportunity to create their own constellations, using the worksheet. After creating their constellation, they will share a story about the constellation with their group. To reinforce that the stars are usually invisible during the day, the teachers will turn off the lights and show students there were stars on the wall the whole time, they were just invisible because of the light of the sun (the light fixture). To finish the lesson, the What we learned section of the KWL chart will be completed.

Evaluation supports Objectives: The teachers will assess the worksheets to see that the students grasp the concept of a pattern between the stars.

Resources

Branley, F. (1981). The sky is full of stars. Harper Collins Publishers, New York.

Scott Foresman Science Textbook 2003, Grade 1

Scott Foresman Science Teachers Edition Lab Manual 2003, Grade 1

www.atozteacherstuff.com

www.teachers.net

irc 01/03