5th Grade Astronomy Unit Blueprint
Pacing Suggestions:
1–2 days
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 3-D Model of the Earth and Moon Adobe® Reader® (PDF) 3-D Model of the Earth and Moon (Microsoft Word Format) |
What are models?
Why are models used in science?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the models used to illustrate the relative size of the earth and moon?
What orbits the earth?
11B(3-5)#2: Geometric figures, number sequences, graphs, diagrams, sketches, number lines, maps, and stories can be used to represent objects, events, and processes in the real world, although such representations can never be exact in every detail.
Clay representations of earth and moon size/distance and class discussion of activity
Class Discussion about Clay Model
- Do the students understand how the model of the earth/moon is like the real thing (it represents relative size and relative distance)?
- Do students understand how it is different from the real thing (it's not in motion--moon orbiting earth, composition is different, it's not the actual size/distance)?
4A(3-5)#4: The earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun, and the moon orbits around the earth.
4F(3-5)#3: Light travels and tends to maintain its direction of motion until it interacts with an object or material. Light can be absorbed, redirected, bounced back, or allowed to pass through.
Class discussion about the moon
Suggested Journal Entry: Describe the orbit of the moon.
Does the moon make its own light? Explain.
Class Discussion about the moon
- Are students showing an understanding that the moon does not produce its own light—it's light reflected from the sun?
- Do students know that the moon orbits the earth?
1. For conceptual benchmarks.
2. Bolded sections indicate portion of benchmark addressed
3. Unless noted as a Summative Assessment, the assessments are formative and should be used to guide teaching and learning.