Teacher Information Card 3

The Australian Curriculum for Science: Year 5 Earth and Space Content Descriptor: The Earth is part of a system of planets orbiting around a star (the sun) (ACSSU078). Learners prior knowledge: Students understand that: The Earth is a planet in space The Sun provides light during the day and that is how people know it is daytime The Moon and the Sun can be see from Earth Science involves asking questions and describing changes Science is used in peoples daily lives Questions can be posed and predictions made Investigations can explore and answer questions Observations can be compared with predictions Observations and ideas can be communicated What my learners will know and do: Declarative Knowledge & understanding: The Earth orbits around the sun, The Moon orbits around the earth, The Earth is smaller than both the Moon and the Sun, The Moon can be seen during the day, The Earth rotates causing day and night. Focus Question: Why do we need the Earth, Sun and Moon? Aim: During this lesson students will discover and explore how the Earth, Moon and Sun perform in space by using an online stimulus. They will learn that the Earth orbits around the Sun while the Moon orbits around the Earth and the Earth rotates causing day and night. Moreover, drawing their own individual diagrams so that they can make sense of the actions happening in space. By interrogating the online stimulus through exploring the activities and discovering new information is important for critical thinking skills to develop (Gregson, 2012). Students will develop an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and the ability to use a range of scientific inquiry methods, including questioning planning and conducting experiments and investigations based on ethical principles collecting and analysing data evaluating results and drawing critical, evidence based conclusions. They will develop an understanding of historical and cultural contributions to science. Students will develop a solid foundation of knowledge of the earth and space science, including being able to select and integrate the scientific knowledge and methods needed to explain and predict phenomena, to apply that understanding to new situations and events, and to appreciate the dynamic nature of science knowledge.

Students are able to: Describe aspects of the Earth, Sun and Moon Draw what shape each of the planets look like Make predictions and investigate everyday phenomena Follow instructions to record and sort their observations Share their observations with others

Procedural Knowledge (Skills): Draw the Earth and Moon orbiting around the Sun in correct positioning, Label the actions of the Earth, Moon and Sun on the drawn diagram.

Overview of Lesson use in the classroom:The lesson will commence with the learners watching an engaging YouTube clip of a space rocket launching into space that will also review students prior knowledge of this area. Secondly, the learners will work in pairs to investigate the Earth, Sun and Moon using the online stimulation. Teacher asks what are the obvious differences between each of the planets. Students gain their response through their online journey into space taking notes on their diagrams of what they have discovered. Once completed students will collaborate together to discuss their new discoveries. The teacher will conclude their journey into space by asking relevant question: Teacher asks: Did your journey into space help you to discover the different planets? What is something new you have learnt? What is something you want to look at more in depth? This lesson would need a 45 minutes to complete. Please note to successfully gain the learners interest into the topic design the classroom into an outer space experience by having stars, planets and other objects hanging from the ceiling or on the walls. Embracing the science framework by creating a realistic feel for learners helps them become interested and excited about studying the new topic which in turn leads to achievement in their education (Gregson, 2012). Scaffolded Learning for Diversity of Students: Support Needed Level As students make use the online stimulation they can be paired up with a higher achieving learner to help guide them through the activity. Instructional Level Students at instructional level will understand the terminology used for the online stimulation as this lesson has been designed for a grade 5 class. Teacher modelling of this process may be an advantage. Students at this level should need no assistance with the diagram. Extension Level The extension students may assist their peers in the process of using the online stimulation.