Lesson Planning

Waynesburg University

Pre-Instructional Planning:
The thought process that leads to the development of
quality, meaningful lesson plans

Guiding questions that will provide the framework for the lesson. (Respond to each
question.)
Who will you be teaching? (Identify student grade level as well as academic functioning level and specific needs of
individual students)
4th grade students, mid-year academic level.

Who (if anybody) will assist with the presentation of this lesson, and what will their role be?
Teacher

What is the long range goal(s) that is tied to this lesson?

The students will be able to identify the different parts of the solar system and describe different elements in the solar
system.

What is the specific learning objective(s) for this lesson?

The objectives will vary depending on the lesson. Each lesson will focus on a different part of the solar system.

What prerequisite skills/knowledge will students need to effectively access and participate in this lesson?
The students will need to have skills in: compare/contrast, analyzing information, communication, and basic computer
skills.
Prior knowledge that the students would have: Earth is a planet, Sun is the center of the solar system, Sun is a Star,
Planets move around the sun.

When within the stages of learning will this lesson be presented? (Is it a learning acquisition lesson, learning fluency
lesson, learning maintenance lesson, or learning generalization lesson?)
There will be more than one stage of learning presented in these lessons including: learning acquisition and learning
generalization.

When will this lesson be completed? (Will it be a one-day lesson or a multiple day lesson?)
These lessons would part of a 2 week unit on the solar system. The lessons themselves will vary from 1 day to multiple
day lessons.

Where should this lesson be presented to ensure maximum student access and participation? (computer lab, classroom,
science lab…) AND what materials will be needed?
These lessons will be presented primarily in the classroom (which is a science lab), however some lessons will require a
computer lab.
Materials needed: Computers, printers, solar system model, paper, pencils, art supplies.
Why are you planning to teach this lesson? Why must this information/skill be presented to the students?
The solar system is a key unit of study according to state standards and school curriculum.

How does this lesson relate to the PA Academic Standards?

PA Academic Standards for Science and Technology 3.4.4.D.

Describe the composition and structure of the universe and the earth’s place in it.
• Recognize earth’s place in the solar system.
• Identify planets in our solar system and their general characteristics.
• Describe the solar system motions and use them to explain time (e.g., days, seasons), major lunar phases
and eclipses.

How does this lesson relate to the previous lesson? How does this lesson relate to future lessons?
In a previous unit the students would have studied the make-up of the earth which they can then relate to the make-up of
other planets. In future lessons the students will learn more about space exploration

How will you determine if students have met the lesson objective? (Think assessment)
Class participation, Class discussion, projects, final exam

How should this lesson be presented to ensure maximum student access and participation? (lecture, whole group
activities, small group activities, cooperative learning groups…)
The lessons in this unit will vary; there will be lectures, whole and small group activities, and individual activities