Constructive Learning: Adoption Level

(K-4 Lesson)

From the Internet to Outer Space
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Grade Level
1
Classroom Configuration:
  • Whole group instruction, using a projector and / or interactive white board
  • Small group, using classroom computers or mobile laptops as rotating stations
Arizona State Content Standards
  • Writing
    • Strand 2: Writing Components
      • Concept 4: Word Choice
        • PO 3: Use expressive or descriptive phrases and short sentences, beyond one- or two-word labels.
    • Strand 3: Writing Applications
      • Concept 2: Expository
        • PO 1: Create expository texts (e.g., labels, lists, observations, journals) through drawing and/or writing.
  • Science
    • Strand 6: Earth and Space Science
      • Concept 2: Objects in the Sky
        • PO 2: Compare celestial objects (e.g., Sun, Moon, stars) and transient objects in the sky (e.g., clouds, birds, airplanes, contrails).
        • PO 3: Describe observable changes that occur in the sky, (e.g., clouds forming and moving, the position of the Moon).
  • Social Studies
    • Strand 1: American History
      • Concept 1: Research Skills for History
        • PO 2: Retell stories to describe past events, people, and places.
        • PO 3: Use primary source materials (e.g., photos, artifacts, maps) to study people and events from the past.
Arizona Educational Technology Standards (2009)
  • Strand 1: Creativity and Innovation
    • Concept 1: Knowledge and Ideas
      • PO 1: Evaluate information to generate ideas.
    • Concept 2: Models and Simulations
      • PO 2: Explore and identify models and simulations.
  • Strand 3: Research and Information Literacy:
    • Concept 2: Processing
      • PO 2: Use preselected sources.
  • Strand 5: Digital Citizenship
    • Concept 3: Impact of Technology
      • PO 1: Recognize and discuss how students and families use technology to make their lives better.
  • Strand 6: Technology Operations and Concepts
    • Concept 1: Understanding
      • PO 3: Identify technology applications for a given activity/project.
Objectives
  • The student will be introduced to these key words: astronomy, astronomer, comet, observer.
  • The student will hear a story about an astronomer.
  • The student will compare and contrast two images of the moon using primary sources.
  • The student will sketch an object from the sky.
  • The student will describe the object, using descriptive language.
  • The student will compare their sketches and writing with another student.
Procedure
  1. The teacher will read Maria's Comet written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Deborah Lanino.
  2. The teacher may refer to the reading guide online for discussion questions and activities.
  3. The teacher will write the key words for students to see and read the Step Back in Time sheet to students.
  4. Students will retell the story of Maria Mitchell to a partner.
  5. The teacher and students will discuss the questions on the Directions sheet to compare/contrast the photos of the moon from 1865 and the present.
  6. The teacher will demonstrate Google Sky.
  7. Students will complete the Telescope Treasure Hunt activity in a small group at the computer learning center in the classroom.
  8. Students will share their sketches and writing with each other in small groups when the activity is completed.
Materials
Assessment
  • Students sketches and writing will be assessed for accuracy and descriptive language.

Adapted from Thinkfinity.org (available through IDEAL)

TIM - Constructive: Adoption
Northern Arizona University