Space. An Instructional Unit Resource Guide for the Fourth Grade Curriculum Based on Principles of Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction

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1 Space An Instructional Unit Resource Guide for the Fourth Grade Curriculum Based on Principles of Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction Dan Cochrane Anne Freeman CUSD 200

2 Authors Note Space is a required unit in our district s science critical content for fourth grade. The goal of this unit is to integrate technology usefully into a thoughtful study of space and our solar system. We have tried to wade through the many resources available on the internet to pinpoint ones that we feel add a new dimension to other texts and activities. Dan, a resource teacher/inclusion facilitator, and Anne, a fourth grade classroom teacher, share students at Lincoln School in an inclusive classroom. Dan works on a district-wide assistive technology team one day a week. Anne is interested in using technology throughout the curriculum to reach all learners. Page 2

3 Standards Subject Expectation 1: The student will understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems. Essential Learning 1: Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry. Critical Content 11.A.2a a. 11.A.2b b. 11.A.2c c. 11.A.2d d. 11.A.2e e. 11.A.2f f. 12.F.2a a. 12.F.2a b. 12.F.2b c. 12.F.2b d. formulate questions on a specific science topic and choose the steps needed to answer the questions using correct scientific terminology such as: question hypothesis test observation conclusion collect data for investigations using scientific process skills including observing, estimating and measuring use customary, metric and nonstandard measurements organize data to construct charts and visualizations using technology and resources apply qualitative and quantitative data to produce reasonable explanations summarize and communicate the results of individual and group investigations using a variety of approaches such as graphing, diagramming, visual or written reports, and multi-media presentations demonstrate connections to other events and experiences Essential Learning 6: Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and Earth's place in it (Space Science) Critical Content 12.F.2b e. 12.F.2c f. 12.F.2c g. model the solar system and the planet positions observe and model the earth s changing phases of the moon including new waxing crescent, half, full and waning crescent Moon Phases explain the seasons as related to Earth s tilt explain the apparent motion of the sun and stars demonstrate knowledge of sky changes using constellation models, diagrams or visual aids identify easily recognizable stars and star patterns including North Star (Polaris) Big Dipper Orion Sun use star chart to predict the constellation Illinois Learning Standards ( ) CUSD 200 Critical Content ( Page 3

4 Planning Pyramid What will students know? Some Students Explore origin of star patterns Model solar system, including explanations of planet movement Explain/demonstrate the phases of the moon Apply knowledge of cause of Earth s seasons to another planet Predict apparent motion of stars from another location Most Students Make a model of the solar system Model the changing phases of the moon Know about Earth s rotation, revolution, tilt Explain apparent motion of the sun and stars due to rotation and revolution Demonstrate star patterns and their movement (including the North Star, Big Dipper, and Orion) using visual aids Use star chart to predict constellation All Students Within a model, label the planets and the sun Observe and identify four major phases of the moon Recognize seasons and that the stars appear to move in the sky Identify star patterns Page 4

5 Teacher Library Moon Phases Virtual reality moon phase pictures you can retrieve any day s moon photo here moon phases calendar with real-time view of moon (?) animated gifs of lunar cycle and night sky movement includes movie of moon changes and pictures of different phases Solar System Teacher resources and student activities activities and information can be set on beginner, intermediate, and advanced learning levels sky charts with and without marked constellations calculate distances after inputting size of sun to make model of solar system calculate your age on other planets an interactive model of the solar system and planet information Earth s Movement animated pictures of Earth s rotation, tilt, in relation to the sun movies Updated Space News and Skywatch Science news and info about the sun-earth environment Up to date information for sky and star watching Page 5

6 Learner Activities Observe moon phases: Keep a daily log at home with a picture and description Collect pictures daily of the current moon phase at... Watch the moon change phases at Make a model of the solar system. Label planets, note sizes, and put in order. After acting out rotation and revolution, put together the model, incorporating both types of movement. Students can use this web site to help calculate distances between planets: An animated model of the solar system and planet information can be found at: Constellations: Students use a picture of the sky without constellations drawn in to create their own constellation pictures and stories to go with them. Use sky charts to see currently visible constellation and major constellations. Sky charts with and without constellations marked can be found at (Windows on the Universe) has other background information Earth Movement and Seasons: Class discussion of rotation and revolution using animated demonstrations found at: Have kids act this out (use model pieces as props) and create a movie of the demonstrate with digital video. Page 6

7 Assessment Assessing Declarative Knowledge: Quizzes: Worksheets: Puzzles: Assessing Projects: Page 7

8 Modifications Lower reading level... text to speech feature (e.g. WriteOutloud) Microsoft Word auto-summarize feature simplifies text Text scanned into Kurzweil 3000 or WYNN Handwriting... Alpha Smart Clicker 4 CoWriter 4000 Additional challenge... Use Hyperstudio or PowerPoint or IntelliPics Studio to create models of solar system or earth motion Pursue extended knowledge through Web research Test taking practice Quizstar: Comprehension Use comprehension strategies (see Strategies That Work by Stephanie Harvey) with text scanned into Kurzweil 3000 Couple text with visuals Fine motor Use IntelliPics Studio to create and manipulate models Vocabulary. Picture-symbol aids Visual demonstrations paired with vocabulary Inspiration/Kidspiration to connect vocabulary to visuals or synonyms Memory Multisensory input, including lots of visuals which can be found on the websites and in textbooks Cognitive aids to cue memory Practice declarative knowledge with quizzes on-line Page 8