Compose a response to the following questions for one of the lessons that you posted on the
Cosmic Connections Wiki and implemented in your classroom. Please post this to the Wiki within two weeks of presenting in your classroom.
1.
Share what you noticed about the use of the lesson plan implemented in your classroom.
What was the effect on instruction and student motivation?
Initially, I had to alter my lesson plan because I am in a younger classroom; therefore, I had to add in an overview on how to use the scale and ruler together. I have three different grades in my classroom, so I paired older with younger students to assist in math skills. The second day, I felt the students enjoyed creating the planets and were astonished on how mistaken their clay figures were compared to the actual scale. This activity had a major impact on the student’s thinking as far as size. The final activity with the beads was also interesting to the students, but you could tell they were not as impressed as with the clay models.
2.
How do you think using the five E’s enhanced this lesson?
I really believe that implementing the five E’s in a lesson helps pull the students into the
“dirt” of the lesson. At first they are a little hesitant and unsure, but as they start to understand the information and physically and mentally engage, they become completely committed, and then they start to form their own questions, resolutions, and findings. I found that I am alternating between various E’s until I have the students engaged.
3.
How did you connect new learning with previous learning?
We have been spending some time on geography and South Dakota Road Trip, so letting the students explore the state map really connected with their prior knowledge of our state. In addition, measurement is an area that we have visited several times this year and actually using their skills to create a model was enjoyable for them.
4.
Would you use the lesson plan again? What changes would you make next time?
I will definitely use this lesson again. I felt the clay models were a huge “Aha” moment for my students. Next time, instead of or maybe after using the beads, I would like to have the students go outside and using a scale place themselves on the playground to see the distance from the sun. With younger students, I feel that visually seeing the distance makes a larger impact.

5.
Did you see any measurable changes in student achievement or learning? Please give specific examples. If not, why do you think this is?
I wouldn’t say there was a measurable change, but I’ve had parents comment on how much the students enjoyed and were amazed at the scale of the planets. I do feel that this was a lesson that they will not forget easily!
6. How well did the astronomy activities in your lesson plans fit into your science curriculum?
The lesson fit very well into my science curriculum because the standards require students in the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th grade to have a better understanding of our solar system.