Earth Systems Science Unit Lesson Plan
Teacher(s): Maher, Keen
School Year: 2013-14
UNIT: Seasons and the Moon
Standards (Ohio Science Inquiry and Application
Revised
During the years of grades 9 through 12, all students must use the following scientific processes with appropriate laboratory
Standards for
safety techniques to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:
Science)
• Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;
• Design and conduct scientific investigations;
• Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;
• Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);
• Recognize and analyze explanations and models; and
• Communicate and support a scientific argument
Lesson
Objectives/Goals
The Universe
In early elementary school, observations of the sky and space are the foundation for developing a deeper knowledge of the
solar system. In late elementary school, the parts of the solar system are introduced, including characteristics of the sun and
planets, orbits and celestial bodies. At the middle school level, energy, waves, gravity and density are emphasized in the
physical sciences, and characteristics and patterns within the solar system are found.
In the physical science course, the universe and galaxies are introduced, building upon the previous knowledge about space and the solar
system in the earlier grades.
Investigate how the tilt of the Earth’s axis and Earth’s movement cause seasons.
Describe and diagram how the movement of the moon causes phases and eclipses.
Summarize the stages by which the moon formed.
Daily Lessons:
DATES
8/18 - 8/22
8/25 - 8/29
MONDAY
Teacher Work Day
Planetarium – Seasons
Lab – Modeling the path
of the sun on the first
day of each season
Compare Predictions
with actual
measurements
TUESDAY
Freshmen Orientation
-Review Planetarium
Lab
-Pre-Lab Angle of
Insolation
-Pass out books
HW: Seasons book
questions
WEDNESDAY
Assign Seats
Course Expectations
Lab Safety
Zoom Activity
THURSDAY
ESS Pretest
HW: Parent Signature/
supplies
HW: Parent
Signature/supplies
Angle of Insolation Lab
Seasons Globe
Activity/Demo
Revise Seasons Journal
Review for seasons quiz
HW: Finish Lab
Questions
HW: Study for seasons
quiz
FRIDAY
What causes seasons
journal
Planetarium Pre-Lab
Make predictions on the
path of the sun for each
season
Visit Planetarium –
intro and current sky
Seasons Quiz
Apollo 11 Video
HW: Print Moon Notes
from website for
Tuesday
9/1 – 9/5
9/8 – 9/12
NO SCHOOL
Labor Day
Seasons and Moon Test
Review Sheet
HW: Work on test
study guide and study
for test on Wed
Moon Notes
Moon Phase Lab
HW: Directed Reading
28.1 due Friday
HW: Print Eclipse Notes
from website
Review Game for Test
Test: Seasons and
Moon
HW: Study for seasons
and moon test
Eclipse Notes and Lab
Planetarium Visit –
Moon Phase/Eclipse
Review; Seasonal
constellations
Planetarium – Seasonal
Sky and constellations
NO SCHOOL
TEACHER DAY