This document outlines an instructional design project about the sun for a first grade classroom. It includes sections on analysis of student science performance data showing a need for improved instruction, design objectives for students to learn about the sun as a source of heat and importance in plant growth, development of formative assessments, and plans for implementation differentiated for different student groups. The lesson will be evaluated based on student and colleague feedback, with observations suggesting breaking it into smaller sections and addressing technical issues.

1. T he Sun
Instruction Design Project
EDU643

2. Introduction
 This learning adventure was created to
introduce basic understanding of the Sun
and how it impacts Earth.
 The lesson is designed for use in a first
grade classroom and can be used as a
stand alone lesson if done at the end of
the year.

3. Analysis
 Determination of Need
 2011-2012 MEAP data confirmed a need for
improved Science instruction.
 Increased/In depth Science instruction now
part of School Improvement plan for the
district.
 Content and Task Analysis
 Special focus on Earth Science, the Solar
System and Outer Space.

4. Design
 The learning adventure was designed around
two basic learning objectives.
1. After venturing through the webpage, students will
be able to identify the sun as the most important
source of heat, which warms the land, air, and
water on Earth.
2. After venturing through the webpage, students will
be able to demonstrate the importance of sunlight
and warmth in plant growth.

5. Development
 Project began with objectives
 Brainstorming of summative assessment
 List formative assessments that need to be
in place during the lesson to ensure overall
success.
 Development of activities to reach
objective goal and summative
assessment success.
Instructional Design Project - The Sun

6. Implementation
 This lesson will be in conjunction with an entire
Earth Science Unit.
 Students will have some prior knowledge as
this learning adventure will be near the end of
the unit.
 I will likely differentiate instruction with this
lesson.
 Above average students – stand alone lesson
 Average students – learning partner lesson
 Below average students – small group/teacher led
 The lesson will likely take place in the
classroom with the use of desktop computers,
laptop computers and Ipads.

7. Evaluation
Colleague Response

8. Evaluation
Student Response
 Observation of student learning:
 Verbal conformation of how fun the activity
was………seemed to lose momentum as lesson
progressed.
 Solution: break lesson into small parts – 1 section per
day
 Appeared too hard to be a first grade stand alone
lesson, considering their computer experience.
 Solution: differentiate instruction or model first.
 Video was too quiet, and not all features were
supported by the student network.
 Solution: talk with school tech support before beginning
project, and rework videos.
 Navigation and design of lesson appeared to be
user friendly; students were not having any difficulty
getting around the website.