Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Phases of the Moon

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 4th grade

Content Standard Addressed: S4E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of
the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun as observed from the Earth. b.
Develop a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon (new,
crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full).

Technology Standard Addressed: 3- Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: Timeliner

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline_2/

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☒ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Timeliner is accessible to all students at no cost from either home or school computers. Timelines can
include visual aids or include url links for learning extension. Timeline provides equal learning opportunities
for all students.

Lesson idea implementation:

I would start the lesson by asking students what they already know about the moon. This will activate
student’s prior knowledge. I will explain to students how the moon looks different during it’s different phases.

After I introduce the phases of the moon, I will show them the timeline created on Timeliner which includes
visuals and labels of the moon during each of it’s phases. Students will see the picture labeled with the name
of the phase and a short description of each phase.

After students have gone through the timeline, I will ask each student to create their own moon flipbook. The
timeline will be used by students as a reference. On each page, students will label each phase of the moon
and draw their own picture of each phase. Students can use their flipbooks as a study tool.
Reflective Practice:
This lesson ties in perfectly with the standard and a timeline is a perfect representation to show the phases of
the moon. Allowing students to see a timeline of each phase puts a visual in their head of how each phase
should look one after the other. To further extend this lesson, I will print out the timeline used in the
classroom and students will be instructed to look at the moon at home and determine the current phase the
moon is in. Students will be asked to explain to their parents at home what the current phase the moon is in
and how they know based on the details from the timeline and flipbook.

Spring 2018_SJB