Download What Moves Around The Sun

Lesson Title: What Moves Around the Sun?
Grade level: Third
Subject: Earth Science
Time needed: one – 45 minute session
Lesson Description: This lesson accompanies the third grade Scott Foresman, California
Science textbook. Chapter 6 Lesson 1 pages 204 – 209.
California State Standards, Science, Third Grade
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3ES4.0 Earth Sciences Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns.
3ES4.d Earth Sciences Students know that Earth is one of several planets that
orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth.
3ES4.e Students know the position of the Sun in the sky changes during the course
of the day and from season to season.
3RC2.4 Reading Comprehension Recall major points in the text and make and modify
predictions about forthcoming information.
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3RW1.0 Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development Students
understand the basic features of reading. They select letter patterns and know
how to translate them into spoken language by using phonics, syllabication, and word
parts. They apply this knowledge to achieve fluent oral and silent reading.
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3MR1.1 Mathematical Reasoning Analyze problems by identifying relationships,
distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing
information, and observing patterns.
Lesson Objectives:
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To be able to identify the planets that orbit the sun.
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To be able to describe the motion of the moon around the sun.
Supplies needed:
Each student will need:
Science textbook and workbook
Teacher will need same supplies for demonstration purposes.
Lesson Vocabulary: star, planet, solar system, orbit, asteroid, moon, satellite, asteroid
belt, rotation, axis,
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Lesson Procedure: Open website and display homepage on promethean board so all can
see. Place emphasis on center solar system graphic. Place vocabulary words where students
can see them. Read them aloud but do not define them. You will define them as you read
the textbook. Orally read together as a class pages 204 – 207. My technique for class
reading is that I start reading. Every few words I stop. The students read the next word
and then I continue. I find this keeps most of the students focused on the page and paying
attention to the reading.
Checkpoints along the way:
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Page 204 and 205 define star, explain that the sun is a star. Ask, “Why is
the sun so much brighter than all the other stars?”
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Page 206 and 207 define planet, solar system, orbit and asteroid. Point
to solar system graphic on board and explain how the sun is the center of
the solar system and the planets rotate around the sun.
Follow – Up: Complete pages in student workbook.
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Vocabulary page 73
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What moves around the sun? page 76
Formative Assessment: Check and correct pages assigned. Have students’ correct
mistakes.
Adaptations for Students with Special Needs or English Language Learners: They
can visit pearsonsuccessnet website and have the textbook read to them. This can be done
before the whole class lesson as an introduction or after the lesson as reinforcement.
Extension Activities: Early finishers could work in space folder, read planet books, visit
NASA website to view planet images, complete lessons at pearsonsuccessnet, go to
BrainPop.
How to use in an online classroom: Have a synchronous lesson and read together in a
chat room. Assign students to read or lesson to text independently before weekly
discussion on the lesson.
Created by, Aggie Walters, July 2011, Moorpark Unified School District
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