This document outlines a lesson plan about the phases of the moon. It includes benchmarks from the Michigan curriculum framework and education technology standards. The goals are for students to demonstrate their understanding of the earth and moon's relative movement using models, support statements about the moon with online research, and interpret a diagram explaining day and night caused by the earth's rotation. Technology used includes the Starry Night simulation software, moon phase animations, and current moon phase calendars.

1. It’s a Marvelous Night for a Moon Dance A Lesson Plan By Elizabeth Olson http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/multicultural/freed.htm

2. Bench marks/GLECS/METS Michigan Curriculum Framework Science Content Benchmarks 1. Compare and contrast characteristics of the sun, moon and earth. 2. Describe the motion of the earth around the sun and the moon around the earth. Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations E.ST.05.21 Describe the motion of planets and moons in terms of rotation on axis and orbits due to gravity. E.ST.05.22 Explain the phases of the moon. Michigan Education Technology Standards 3-5.RI.1. identify search strategies for locating information with support from teachers or library media specialists 3-5.RI.2. use digital tools to find, organize, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information 3-5.CT.2. use information and communication technology tools (e.g., calculators, probes, videos, DVDs, educational software) to collect, organize, and evaluate information to assist with solving problems

3. Goals and Objectives 1. Through the use of a Styrofoam ball, pencil and lamp, students will demonstrate their understanding of the relative movement of the earth and moon in relation to the sun by reenacting the correct rotation and position of the Earth, Moon and Sun without error. 2. Using a computer and the internet, students will correctly support five given statements about the moon with facts found through research on the internet. 3. Students will interpret data presented in a diagram explaining how day and night on earth are caused by the earth’s rotation. Using this information, students will answer five questions with at least 90% accuracy and make predictions based on this evidence. 4. Students will show respect to others through listening, discussing, reviewing of topic concepts and solving five questions cooperatively in small groups 100% of the time.

4. Technology Starry Night Simulation Software Starry Night Demonstration Current Moon Phase Calendar Moon Phase Animation Moon Phase Demo

5. Performance Assessment

6. References Bueter, C. (2007). Paper Plate Education. Oreo Moon Phases. Retrieved February 20, 2010, from http://www.analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/Oreo%20Moon% Freed, A. (1999). Multicultural Science Education: A Lesson Plan. New Horizons for Learning. Retrieved February 13, 2010, from http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/multicultural/freed.htm Moon Observations. (2004, September 30). Moon Observations Lesson Plans. Retrieved March 5, 2010, from http://www.uen.org/lessonplan/upload/10988-214754flip_book.pdf Starry Night Education | Astronomy Software. (2009). Starry Night Education /Astronomy Software. Retrieved March 13, 2010, from http://www.starrynighteducation.com

7. Marvelous Night for a Moon Dance