Lesson ideas using Glow A solar system lesson guide

Transcription

1 Lesson ideas using Glow A solar system lesson guide

2 Why not explore space from your classroom with Tigtag? Core In this lesson idea learners will explore our solar system, our galaxy (the Milky Way) and constellations (stars appearing to be in fixed positions) watching several award-winning Tigtag films. Learners will research different constellations and make a constellation viewer. Aim To understand the meaning of galaxy and to recognise and identify different constellations. Learning Outcomes All children will understand that our solar system is just one of many billions of systems of planets orbiting stars. Most children will understand that, when we look at the stars, some appear to be in fixed positions relative to each other, and that we call these groups constellations. Some children will be able to identify various constellations. Learning Intentions To develop an understanding of our solar system. To create a constellation viewer. To draw a new constellation and a myth about how it came into existence. Cross curricular / Interdisciplinary learning Links Literacy: constellation research and writing Vocabulary Space, Moon, Sun, Milky Way, star, galaxy, constellation, universe, planet 1

3 Teaching steps 1 Login to Glow and find Tigtag Click on App Library at the top left of your Launch Pad. Click on All Apps and search for Tigtag. Click on Tigtag and Add to Launch Pad. Now find Tigtag on your Launch Pad and open it. You can search for videos using Mindmap or Topics but for this lesson type beyond our solar system into the search bar at the top. 2

4 2 Be prepared! Click on lesson prep at the bottom right of the screen. Here you will find everything you need to deliver this lesson - lesson plan, activity sheets, classroom visuals, practical activities and big questions. 3 Pair / Group Activity Organise the children into pairs or small groups and provide each pair/group with a set of Earth and beyond cards (in activity sheets). Ask the pairs/groups to match each term to its meaning and image. Check that the pairs/groups have arranged the cards correctly and address any vocabulary issues that might arise. Note: The names Moon, Sun and Milky Way are capitalised, whereas the other terms are not. 3

5 4 Explore constellations Play the film Constellations. Explain to the children that, although the constellations are always visible together in the night sky, the stars that form them are many trillions of kilometres apart and are not connected to each other in any way. Common misconception: some children may think that stars disappear or go away during the day. Ensure they understand that the stars are still there, but they cannot be seen during the day due to the vast amount of light from the Sun. At night, the contrast between starlight and the surrounding sky is sufficient to enable the stars to stand out and be seen. However, light pollution can obscure starlight, making it difficult to spot certain stars, particularly in built-up urban areas where there is a lot of artificial lighting. 5 Consider how constellations were named Explain to the children that, in ancient times, people looked at the stars and saw groups of stars appearing together - just as we do today. These groups change their position in the sky throughout the night, which happens as the Earth rotates on its axis. People named the groups and told stories or created myths about them. Many are named after animals or gods and goddesses, particularly from Roman and Greek mythology. There are 88 named constellations, some of which are visible only in the northern hemisphere whist some can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, others are visible from both. The positions of the constellations not only change through each night due to the Earth s rotation on its axis, but also throughout the year, as the Earth orbits the Sun. Display the constellation images, provided in the classroom visuals, on the whiteboard. Next, display the constellation outlines that give the constellations their names. The children should see how the group of stars make a particular shape or animal, although it might take a stretch of the imagination to see this. They may feel the group of stars looks more like something else entirely! Play the film The Big Bang. 4

6 6 Draw a constellation Challenge the children to draw one of the constellations and rename it based on what they think it looks like. They may like to consider a more modern object or a different animal. 7 Telescopes Ask learners how can we see clearly into space and learn far more about the Universe than is possible with the naked eye? Play the film Hubble Space Telescope. 8 Lesson Review Play the film Odd one out. Pause it at 00:30 and ask the children to discuss their ideas with a partner. Ask if they can name any other constellations? (Ursa minor, Scorpio, Leo etc.) Links to the Curriculum for Excellence This idea can contribute to gathering evidence for the following Experiences and Outcomes. Curriculum Area and Outcomes Science SCN 2-06a Description SCN 2-06a - By observing and researching features of our solar system, I can use simple models to communicate my understanding of size, scale, time and relative motion within it. 5

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