Subject: _____Science______Unit: ______2______Topic: __Space______

Learning Goals for Lesson / Standards:SC.3.E.5.1
Students will know:
  • The characteristics of stars as they change during their life cycle.
  • What we can observe about stars.
/ Students will be able to:
  • Identify and describe the characteristic of the stars.
  • Tell about what we can observe about stars.

LEQ: How do the characteristics of stars change throughout their life cycle? What can we observe about stars?
Activating Strategy:– Do Try It pg.50 Estimate the Number of Stars without counting them. OR You Tube video on “Stars and their sounds”
Vocabulary:
Temperature, characteristics, star, sun, size, brightness, constellations
Lesson Instruction
Learning Activity 1:Read, “When I Heard” or other text that relates to astronomy. Have student cut out a sun for Unit vocabulary G.O. Teacher model vocabulary words, definition, and quick sketch for each vocabulary word. Definition found in TE for Chapter 2 Afterwards, show student Brain Pop Jr- the Sun. Have student’s discussion questions with partners. Begin Chapter 2 pages 52-57. Collaborative pairs may discuss responses to TE questions and short responses from SE.
Assessment Prompt:
Create a graphic organizer of the different colors, temperatures, and sizes of the stars. Using the graphic organizer write to compare and contrast stars and their characteristics. / Graphic Organizer:
Use a word web to describe stars.
Then use a chart/table to compare the differences in stars.
Learning Activity 2:Watch brainpopconstellaions and then model how to make a constellation with sticker stars or marshmallows and toothpicks. Create constellations based on what we have learned about the patterns of stars.
Assessment Prompt:
Design a new constellation of your own using a copy of the stars. Write to tell about the constellation you created.
Learning Activity 3:Explore how stars have a different brightness. Use flashlights from different distances to explore how the closeness of the star can make it appear brighter.
Assessment Prompt:
In your journal, write a paragraph to explain how some stars appear brighter than others. / Assignment:
Look at a sample of a pattern of stars. Describe the characteristic of the stars, tell why some of the stars are different sizes and colors. Justify you answer with examples or details.
Summarizing Strategy:
Ticket Out the Door:
Give a definition of what a star is. Then tell 3 characteristics of stars that you have learned about.