Building and Using a Moon Phase Calculator
Topic:
This instructional design project will focus on helping adults and children
understand how to identify the phase that the current moon is in and to forecast
what the phase of the moon will be on a future date or after a given number of
days.
Theory:
To best employ this project, the cognitive theory of design will be utilized.
While constructing the moon phase calculator, the students will be forced to
understand and consider both how and why the moon’s appearance changes
over time and will ultimately translate this understanding tactilely via the
completion of the calculator. While assistance will be given initially, the learner
will be expected to remember structural patters within the model and employ that
memory to complete the project. Quite simply, this project is both a puzzle and a
guide, forcing the learner to tap various learning strategies to finish correctly.
Problem:
Though the moon has been a visual part of our daily life for as long as people
have walked on Earth, very few individuals truly understand either why the
moon’s appearance changes over time or how this information can be used to
predict the moon’s future appearance.
Audience:
The audience for this project is any person who does not fully comprehend
how to forecast the moon’s future appearance based on its current appearance.
This audience will range from those who have a general interest in space science
to those whose livelihood may actually depend in some way on the illumination
provided by the moon.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to imbed the understanding of how, when, and
why the moon’s appearance changes into the minds of all learners. While almost
all Americans have been exposed to information regarding the lunar cycle at
some point (often multiple points) during their lives, most have not retained the
information they were exposed to. This project seeks to, once and for all,
permanently affix this knowledge into the minds of all who venture to complete
the tasks.
Format:
For the initial project, instruction will be provided through the use of pictures
and unlabeled diagrams. Leaners will be expected to use the visual cues and
information in a systematic fashion to complete the project.
General learning expectations:
After completing this project, the learner will be able to construct and properly
use a calculator that predicts the lunar cycle on future dates.
.
Learning goals and objectives
At the end of this course students will be able to successfully:
G.1. Make a calculator that predicts future lunar phases.
O.1. Students will be able to assemble the equipment
necessary to complete the calculator.
O.2. Students will be able to make specific cuts and folds as
required to allow the calculator to function properly.
O.3. Students will be able to correctly affix accurate
representations of lunar phases to their correct positions
within the calculator.
O.4. Students will be able to put the pieces of the calculator
together in a systematic and logical fashion so that it will
work properly.
O.5. Students will be able to use their calculator to determine
future moon phases.
Learning Activities
1. The learner will be given the necessary materials (unprepared) to
complete the task and will spend a few minutes observing/contemplating
the materials.
2. The learner will use a direction form that consists only of drawings and
symbols (with the exception of the moon phase labels which are integral to
the design of the finished project) to prepare the model for construction.
This includes some cutting and folding in specific locations on the model.
3. The learner will construct the calculator by following step by step
diagrammatical instructions as provided.
4. Once completed, student will demonstrate understanding of the model’s
functionality by manipulating the model correctly.
5. Mastery is achieved when the student can predict a future moon phase by
using his or her calculator.
Completion outcomes
The project will be complete when the learner has achieved the following goals:
a. Construction of accurate and operational calculator
b. Demonstration of usefulness of the calculator
Technology required
Instructions will be provided to the learner in paper format, however, those
who wish to view the instructions via a computer will be afforded a PDF copy via
the web.
For those who wish to view instructions via their computer, only internet
access and Adobe Reader will be required.
Timeline:
The total time it should take students to complete this project is about 30
minutes. This includes time to prepare materials as well as construction and
demonstration time.
Assessment
Rubric
Rubric for Moon Phase Calculator Project
Materials, Job Aid, Design Document Feedback
Student:
Student makes correct cuts and folds on project pieces as outlined in instructional materials
Total
/10
Student affixes labels (moon phase symbols) correctly and in sequential order
/15
Student puts pieces of calculator together as outlined
Calculator functions (moves) as required to work correctly
/10
/15
Student demonstrates ability to forecast future moon phase when given a future date.
/25
Student demonstrates ability to determine future date of given moon phase.
/25
Total points
/100
General feedback:
Evaluation
Formative
Self-Assessment
After completing this project, can you confidently use this calculator to predict
future moon phases?
Instructor Assessment
Does the instructor feel that you learned and accomplished the objectives?
Peer Assessment
Do peers outside your group feel that you learned and accomplished the
objectives?
Summative:
Quiz: Students will be given a quiz that will require them to use the calculator to
predict future moon phases on given future dates as well as to predict the
number of days remaining before a given phase of the moon occurs.