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Tiered Assignment Science Example TEKS: 8.7 Earth and space.

The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The student is expected to: (B) demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle. Key Concepts/Vocabulary: Pattern of the lunar cycle.
* lunar phases new moon full moon quarter moon waxing waning crescent gibbous * there is an approximate 2 week time period between a new moon and full moon; * a full lunation (lunar cycle) takes approximately 29.5 days

Understanding: The students will know that about once a month there is a full moon. Knows that the Moon orbits the Earth Knows approximately how long a lunar cycle takes Knows that the Moon reflects sunlight Knows the names of the lunar phases and in what order they occur Knows the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during the lunar phases Background Knowledge: Knows that the earth has a moon Knows that the Moon goes through phases Knows what a full moon is Knows the physical characteristics of the Moon (covered in 5th grade - 5.8D) This lesson is tiered by (process, product, assessment) according to students (readiness, interest, learning profile). Product and Content Tier 1-Struggling Learner As you introduce the bundle to this student, scaffold in physical characteristics of the Moon including facts such as: orbits the Earth a natural satellite comparison of the soil and atmosphere to Earth comparison of gravitational pull on the Moon to Earth Discussing physical characteristics of the Moon while showing animations and videos of the Moon orbiting the Earth will help scaffold this information into the lesson, while introducing the specific lunar phases. Allow the students to draw out orbit of the Moon around the Earth while watching the video. Bill Nye: Moon Phases (Use of visuals and sound)

Tier 2- On-Level Learner Providing a hands on lab that includes the positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun at various points during the lunar cycle will provide an opportunity for this learner to understand why certain amounts of light are reflected off the lunar surface during the lunar phases, as well as learn the names of the moon phases and how long a lunar cycle takes. Lunar Phases Lab (Kinesthetic, hands on lab)

Tier 3- Advanced Learner Since this student is already knowledgeable of the lunar phases, causes of phases, and the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon during the phases, an enrichment activity would be appropriate for this student. Using the computer in the classroom, provide the student with an opportunity to research and compare types of surface features (i.e. specific craters such as Tycho, changes in lunar terrae elevation, and marias) that are observable only during certain lunar phases. After identifying these surface features, students can compare these attributes to similar features on the Earth. A second option would be to have to this student compare lunar phases of the Earths moon to a moon of Jupiter or Saturn. Earths Moon Enrichment Guide , NASA: Earths Moon Images technology) (Integration of

*Required activity for each tier Adapted from Toni Theisen, Loveland High School, Loveland, Colorado

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