Book Backdrop Template

Note: Instructions are italicized and should be removed before submission. Bolded phrases in the instruction boxes should
remain.

Name: Lauren Hurst

Date submitted: 4-18-24

Book Backdrop Lesson Plan Information and Template

Title of Lesson Title: There Was an Old Martian Who Swallowed the Moon
Book Choice Choice:
-I chose this book because it is a creative, colorful, and imaginative
story. It stood out to me because it looked fun and easy to follow
for first grade students.
NCSS Theme (s):
-people, places, environment
-science, technology, and society
Grade level and Content Integration -This activity is suited for first grade level students yet can be
adjusted for higher level grades as well.

-This activity integrates content from both English language arts

and social sciences.
Compelling and supporting C.Q: Do you think humans can travel to other planets?
Question(s) S.Q: If yes, who was the first person to land on the moon?
Specific Objective(s)
-Students will be able to learn and comprehend information
regarding the Space Race and the individuals involved.

-Students will be able to answer specific questions about the

lesson.

Students will be able to look at primary sources and learn the

history behind them.
Standards SS.H.2.1: Describe individuals and groups who have shaped
a significant historical change.

SS.H.3.1: Compare perspectives of people in the past to

Primary Source Choices
those of people in the present.
-I chose primary sources that specifically related to the Space Race
including Neil Armstrong, the rocket known as Saturn V, an
advertisement during the Space Race competition, and a New York
Times newsletter explaining the results of the United States Apollo
11 mission. I thought these sources were all necessary for
students to understand the basics of the Space Race and its
importance along with the year they each occurred. These relate
 to the book I chose because it relates to outer space and planets,
specifically the moon.
Content Preparation -I had to research the cause, details, and the result of the Space
race in order to properly prepare for teaching this lesson. I needed
to be prepared for how to shift gears after reading the fictional
story as well. I had my primary sources ready for the students’
view and told them what materials they needed to get out as we
went through my BBD lesson.
Physical Preparation and Instructional Materials:
Materials -projector or promethean board for teacher(me)
-two plain pieces of paper for students
-students will need a pencil
-Hard copy of book
-crayons or other coloring utensils for students

Instructional Procedures Lesson duration: 45 minutes

and Steps:
Student Inquiry 1. I will introduce the lesson by reading the book “There was
an old Martian who landed on the moon” aloud to
students.
-I will also be sure to set expectations as I begin the lesson
such as, asking students to raise their hands before
speaking.
2. I will ask my two questions to get the students engaged
and thinking about outer space and the possibilities of
travel to the moon.
3. Next, I will have the students talk in groups about their
answers to the questions I asked them.
-Students will also get the opportunity to share their
groups thoughts with the class.
4. Then I will start to show the primary sources with more
detailed information to the students.
5. I will have the students do a see- think- wonder VTS after
they observe and learn about the four different primary
sources.
- I will also be sure to explain the difference between
fact, opinion, fiction, and non-fiction.
6. Lastly, I will encourage the first graders to illustrate their
own space Martian to end the lesson.

Assessment -I will be using formative assessments before, during, and after the
students’ learning.
-Indicators that show if students are comprehending and enjoying
 the lesson include, amount of engagement, participation, and by
observing group work/discussions.
-Oher indicators include feedback from students after viewing the
primary sources I present.
-The students’ VTS answers will also show me if my objectives are
being met by students. This will also help me self-assess my
teaching and instructional strategies.

Reflection After planning the lesson, reflect on your project:

a) My BBD plan was aligned throughout my lesson by making
clear expectations and objectives. I also took note of
formative assessments that were made before, during, and
after the lesson.
b) My only concern during the lesson was having the worry of
being unable to accurately answer questions about the
space race that I did not know. My background knowledge
and research helped me understand the basic and
necessary information however certain details I am
unaware of.

c) I would then choose to re-explain details of the Space Race

and the primary sources significance for students to
understand the facts better if they are struggling.
Indicators of this could include low participation with me
or their peers during group discussion or confused facial
expressions.

d) Students who have varied ability levels needed extra help

and were encouraged to ask questions especially during
the VTS portion of this lesson. Students at my specific
placement have extra accommodations for them to stay on
track with the rest of class in a more individualized setting.

e) My CT thought this was a fun and creative way to

introduce a social studies/science lesson. The students
enjoyed the activity and were fully engaged and respectful
of the class time. The students never hesitated to raise
their hand and ask questions or to share creative ideas
about space. Next steps could have included allowing
students to share their space Martian drawing with the
class.
 Book Backdrop Resources
Cover Image Bibliographic Book type:
Information: Non-fiction
Ward, Jennifer, Sci fi
2015 Setting and time period:
ISBN: Setting: outer space
978147782628 Time period: unknown

Subjects:
Social studies
Summary: Science
This story is
about a
fictional
character that
flies around on
his spaceship
throughout the
galaxy
consuming
outrageous
objects whole
such as, the
moon, a rover,
parts of
planets, and so
much more.

Primary Source Thumbnail Caption LOC Digital ID

Publication
Information
Book Notes
Saturn Apollo https://images.nasa.gov/details/6403149
program
Saturn v
moon rocket
(1964)

Saturn Apollo https://images.nasa.gov/details/9018112

program
Official apollo
11 portrait of
Neil
Armstrong
(1969)

(1963) https://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/topics/space-
Advertisemen race
t related to
the
competition
between the
United States
and the
Soviet Union
for human
airflight.
New York https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/28/learning/
times lesson-plans/explore-the-space-race-with-the-new-
covering the york-timess-archive.html
results of the
Appollo 11
mission
(1969)