The Universe Cycle
The resource that I used in identifying my STEM project was from the website stem.or.uk, a website that features STEM learning. The Universe Cycle is one of the topics that can be taught to children age 6-8 in unified science curriculum program. The topic is divided into four subtopics The earth- under this subtopic, students will be exposed to activities that will enable them to understand how the earth was formed and the physical shape of the earth. Geography- basically emphasizes on map reading skills. The universe- explore activities and projects in the solar systems. Look at the processes involved and future projects.
Objectives
By the end of this study, students should be able to:
Locate different geographical positions on the map.
Explain different phases of the moon that is full, half, crescent and gibbous moon by manipulating models.
Use developing models to explain the movements of the earth, moon and sun.
Understand the relationship between the earth, moon and the sun and explain their various locations.
Our home planet is the third from the sun. It is the only planet that is known to be inhabited by living things. This is because the earth has favourable conditions that are able to support life. Water, air and favourable temperatures make the earth suitable for living things. The other planets are either too hot. This is for those planets which are close to the sun. The planets that are far away from the sun are too cold.
The earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system. It is the only planet in the solar system with liquid water. There are four planets which are close to the earth. The earth is largest planet of the four. It is made of metal and rock. The other planets are named after Greek gods and goddesses. The earth is the only planet that has a Germanic word which means the ground. It is estimated that the earth is about 93 million miles from the sun. The earth revolves 24 hours every day 365 days a year. The revolution of the earth is what causes day and night.
Student Activities
Time required- 30 minutes
The following material will be needed to engage the students and help them understand the topic. As students engage in the activity they will be able to achieve the objectives of the study.
Computer with access to internet
Projector
Small group of three to four students
Plastic spoons
Oreo cookies or a close substitute
Coloured magic markers and black sharp pens
Paper towels
World map
Construction paper
Explanation
Using the above materials, students should construct a chart with moon phases using the Oreos. The icing on the Oreos should be scrapped off and shaped to represent the various phases of the moon.
The cookies should be arranged in a linear fashion on the construction paper to represent the eight moon phases.
Use the markers to draw representations of the earth and the sun. Use directional arrows to demonstrate each lunar phase.
The teacher will then demonstrate the orbital relationship that exists between the sun, moon and the earth. Get the groups of students to understand this concept by using the provided materials to represent each celestial body.
As students undertake this activity, the teacher should pause to ask questions and respond to corresponding questions from the students.
By the end of the activity and discussion students should be able to know
Whether the earth rotates in the same direction as the moon or whether it moves in a counter clockwise manner.
Whether the moon orbits around the earth or the sun.
Formation of a solar eclipse using the above representation.
In involving children with fine motor delay a modification in the activity is instead of using oreo cookies then they can use Play-dough and putty. This is because play-dough and putty improves a child motor skill as they can be able to stretch, pinch and roll. For our project they will be required to roll into different sizes and but they have to be circular in shape
Work Cited
Boyden, Carrie. “The Sun, Earth, and Moon Relationship.” BetterLesson, BetterLesson, 21 Dec. 2015, https://betterlesson.com/lesson/645408/the-sun-earth-and-moon-relationship.
“In the Sky: A Unit about the Sun, Moon, and Stars!” Little Giraffes Teaching Ideas A to Z Teacher Stuff, http://littlegiraffes.com/teaching-ideas/517/in-the-sky-a-unit-about-the-sun-moon-and-stars/.
