Moon Phases Lesson Plan – First and Second Grade Lesson Plan

Grade Level : 1st and 2nd Grade

Benchmark Description :

SC.2.E.7.1: Compare and describe changing patterns in nature that repeat themselves.

LA.2.1.7.3 – summarize information in text, including but not limited to main idea, supporting details, and connections between texts.

LA.2.1.7.4 – identify cause-and-effect relationships in text.

LA.2.4.2.2 – record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, map labels, legends) related to a topic.

LA.2.4.2.3 – write informational/expository paragraphs that contain a topic sentence, supporting details, and relevant information.

Body of Knowledge: Science & Language Arts

Objectives:

After this lesson:

Students will understand that Moon goes through phases and looks different every night.

Students will make Moon observations each night at the same time for two weeks.

Students will learn that the Moon does not shine on its own, but reflects the Sun’s light.

The Moon orbits around the Earth.

Students will understand that Moon changes follow a pattern.

Students will understand that we only see one side of the Moon.

Students will learn new vocabulary, New Moon, First Quarter, Crescent Moon, Full Moon, Third Quarter Moon, and Orbit.

Students will complete a word study.

Materials:

Moon chart

Pencils

Color Pencils

Journals

“Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me” By Eric Carle

Procedures:

Students will track the moon phases for two weeks. They will draw their findings on their Moon charts.

Teacher will start the class with the discussion about students’ Moon findings and observations.

Teacher will present pictures of the Moon along with the new vocabulary.

Teacher will discuss with students the reason that some of their findings are not the same.

Teacher will introduce “Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me” by Eric Carle

Throughout the book teacher will note the changing phases of the Moon. Teacher and students will discuss the text forms fiction and non fiction.

Teacher and students will identify Moon phases and apply new vocabulary to the text.

Teacher will summarize the story through a think aloud and he/she will involve students in making connections between the story ”Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me” and their own observations and conclusions.

Assessment:

Students will complete their two week Moon charts.

Students will write a paragraph about their findings in their journals.

Extension Activities:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0714_040714_moonfacts.html

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question3.html

http://www.noao.edu/education/phases/phases_demo.html

Butterfly Life Cycle – Free Lesson Plan – Elementary Science

Butterfly Life Cycle – Metamorphosis

Grade Level – 2nd Grade

Subject Area – Elementary Science

Benchmark Description:

Observe and describe major stages in the life cycle of a butterfly.

Objectives:

Students will understand life cycle of a butterfly.

Students will be able to describe life cycle/stages of a butterfly verbally and in written form.

Students will have knowledge of lesson related vocabulary, metamorphosis, pupa, larva, chrysalis, etc.

Materials:

“A Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

Activity work sheets- Butterfly Life Cycle

Markers and pencils

Procedures:

1. Activate students’ knowledge on butterflies. Ask about observed caterpillars, chrysalis, butterflies, butterfly habitat, butterfly season, butterfly color, butterfly size, etc.
2. Introduce terms metamorphosis, larva, pupa, and chrysalis.
3. Read “A Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
4. Hand out Butterfly Life Cycle worksheets and have students connect, label, and color butterfly life stages.
5. Discuss further questions that students thought of. Students who pose additional questions on the topic get a sticker.

Assessment:

Students will write and illustrate a story about butterfly life cycle (metamorphosis) in their journals.

Extension Activities:

1. Rereading of “A Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle not only teaches butterfly life states but it builds reading fluency.

2. Visit the school library to obtain additional informational books on butterflies for further research.

Butterfly Life Cycle Lesson Plan-ReadingIsFun.me

Butterfly Life Cycle – worksheet I

Butterfly Life Cycle -worksheet II