Download Document

Lesson ideas using Glow
Lesson ideas
using Glow
A solar system
lesson guide
Lesson ideas using Glow
Why not explore space from your
classroom with Tigtag?
Core
In this lesson idea learners will explore our solar system, our galaxy (the Milky Way) and constellations (stars appearing
to be in fixed positions) watching several award-winning Tigtag films. Learners will research different constellations and
make a constellation viewer.
Aim
To understand the meaning of ‘galaxy’ and to recognise and identify different constellations.
Learning Outcomes
•
•
•
All children will understand that our solar system is just one of many billions of systems of planets orbiting stars.
Most children will understand that, when we look at the stars, some appear to be in fixed positions relative to each
other, and that we call these groups constellations.
Some children will be able to identify various constellations.
Learning Intentions
•
•
•
To develop an understanding of our solar system.
To create a constellation viewer.
To draw a new constellation and a myth about how it came into existence.
Cross curricular / Interdisciplinary learning Links
•
Literacy: constellation research and writing
Vocabulary
Space, Moon, Sun, Milky Way, star, galaxy, constellation, universe, planet
1
Lesson ideas using Glow
Teaching steps
1
Login to Glow and find ‘Tigtag’
Click on ‘App Library’ at the top left of your Launch Pad.
Click on ‘All Apps’ and search for ‘Tigtag’.
Click on Tigtag and ‘Add to Launch Pad’. Now find Tigtag on your Launch Pad and open it.
You can search for videos using ‘Mindmap’ or ‘Topics’ but for this lesson type ‘beyond our solar system’ into the search
bar at the top.
2
Lesson ideas using Glow
2
Be prepared!
Click on ‘lesson prep’ at the bottom right of the screen.
Here you will find everything you need to deliver this lesson - lesson plan, activity sheets, classroom visuals, practical
activities and big questions.
3
Pair / Group Activity
Organise the children into pairs or small groups and provide each pair/group with a set of ‘Earth and beyond cards’ (in
activity sheets).
Ask the pairs/groups to match each term to its meaning and image. Check that the pairs/groups have arranged the cards
correctly and address any vocabulary issues that might arise. Note: The names Moon, Sun and Milky Way are capitalised,
whereas the other terms are not.
3
Lesson ideas using Glow
4
Explore constellations
Play the film ‘Constellations’.
Explain to the children that, although the constellations are always visible together in the night sky, the stars that form
them are many trillions of kilometres apart and are not connected to each other in any way.
Common misconception: some children may think that stars “disappear” or “go away” during the day. Ensure they
understand that the stars are still there, but they cannot be seen during the day due to the vast amount of light from the
Sun. At night, the contrast between starlight and the surrounding sky is sufficient to enable the stars to stand out and be
seen. However, light pollution can obscure starlight, making it difficult to spot certain stars, particularly in built-up urban
areas where there is a lot of artificial lighting.
5
Consider how constellations were named
Explain to the children that, in ancient times, people looked at the stars and saw groups of stars appearing together - just
as we do today. These groups change their position in the sky throughout the night, which happens as the Earth rotates
on its axis. People named the groups and told stories or created myths about them. Many are named after animals or
gods and goddesses, particularly from Roman and Greek mythology. There are 88 named constellations, some of which
are visible only in the northern hemisphere whist some can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, others are visible
from both. The positions of the constellations not only change through each night due to the Earth’s rotation on its axis,
but also throughout the year, as the Earth orbits the Sun.
Display the constellation images, provided in the classroom visuals, on the whiteboard.
Next, display the constellation outlines that give the constellations their names. The children should see how the group
of stars make a particular shape or animal, although it might take a stretch of the imagination to see this. They may feel
the group of stars looks more like something else entirely! Play the film ‘The Big Bang’.
4
Lesson ideas using Glow
6
Draw a constellation
Challenge the children to draw one of the constellations and rename it based on what they think it looks like. They may
like to consider a more modern object or a different animal.
7
Telescopes
Ask learners how can we see clearly into space and learn far more about the Universe than is possible with the naked
eye? Play the film ‘Hubble Space Telescope’.
8
Lesson Review
Play the film ‘Odd one out’. Pause it at 00:30 and ask the children to discuss their ideas with a partner. Ask if they can
name any other constellations? (Ursa minor, Scorpio, Leo etc.)
Links to the Curriculum for Excellence
This idea can contribute to gathering evidence for the following Experiences and Outcomes.
Curriculum Area and Outcomes
Description
Science
SCN 2-06a
SCN 2-06a - By observing and researching features of our
solar system, I can use simple models to communicate
my understanding of size, scale, time and relative motion
within it.
5
Find out more
com/lessonideas
Call us on 0808 172 9525 or email [email protected]
140 Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4SB
T: 08450 700 300
F: 08450 700 400