Think, Think, Think Megan Aiton University of South Florida 2/11/2014

1. What is my content and full standard? "Observe that sometimes the Moon can be seen at night and sometimes during the day" SC.K.E.5.4 2. Answer one of the following questions: 1) So what if I never learned....(what's the impact of not knowing your unit?) or 2) If my unit on...were a story, what would the moral of the story be? If a student were to not gain anything out of this unit then they would not know the impact of the moon on earth and they may confuse the moon with the sun. Students need to understand that while the sun comes out during the day, the moon comes out at night. This will help students understand not only the role of the moon, but the role of the sun as well. Both of these are very important foundations in explaining other phenomena, like tides. Students must also be able to understand the phases of the moon as well as the fact that we cannot live there. If students understand this, then they will understand the role of the earth as a place where we live. 3. If this is why it's important to really understand your content, which of the six facets of understanding do you believe are appropriate for your unit? (Typically, teacher identify 2-4 facets.) For this particular unit, I believe that explanation and application are important to really understand the content. I believe that these two facets go hand in hand when understanding the content of my unit plan. Explanation deals with making sure students understand why an answer is the right one. In other words, they justify their answers. This can be done through many reinforcement activities that require students to apply this information and really gain a complete understanding of the moons presence at night. I also really like that the description of explanation includes the fact that the students justify the answers. To do this, they must receive a thorough understanding from the teacher about why the moon is only present at night. As teachers we must make sure that each student gains this information in a real and authentic way that is meaningful to them so that they are able to apply it in their own lives. In regards to application, it discusses assessments. The assessment can be formal or informal and must be real or authentic. This lesson is extremely authentic because it deals with something that happens in their life 7 times a week. Incorporating activities that are relevant to their lives will help them to retain this information and explain to other that the moon is present only at night and why this is. Application deals with applying this information to real life scenarios. One way we can accomplish this is by taking a trip to a planetarium. Since it is not realistic to observe the moon during the day, this will simulate this experience and allow for active discussion.

4. Based on the facets you have chosen, what are the essential questions your students will be able to answer at the end of the unit? Why is the moon only present at night? What is the role of the moon and why is this important? If the moon did not exist, what would that mean?

5. Put yourself in the shoes of students in your class. Craft 4-5 answers you would expect the children to give for each of your questions. Why is the moon only present at night? - When we cannot see the moon it is because the moon is orbiting and the earth is rotating. - The earth blocks the moon. It is a part of the cycle of one day. What is the role of the moon and why is it important? - The moon is also called the earths satellite - It stabilizes the earth which helps with the weather and its consistency If the moon did not exist, what would that mean? -The wind would be stronger -Some animals may not exist -The days would be shorter 6. Now step back and look for patterns or themes embedded in those answers you crafted. If they give these answers to your essential questions, what are the understandings they are demonstrating? If students are able to answer these questions then they have grasped a full understanding of the moon and why it is important. There are many aspects associated with the moon, not only the fact that it is present at night. Its presence at night does play an important role in its function and students must not only understand this but as well as why it is so important to the earth. Students must also have a firm knowledge of the phases of the moon, the moons orbit, and its effects on weather and on life. Students will also gain an understanding of why we cannot live on the moon. While the main focus of this lesson is to understand that the moon is present at night. They will be receiving and introductory unit lesson on all aspects of the moon. This will help students gain a better understanding on the moon and its role in the functioning of the earth.