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Science lesson plan · 1st grade (Year 2 in England) · 30 minutes

The Sun, Moon and stars

Space

CCSS NGSS.1-ESS1-1CCSS NGSS.5-ESS1-1England: KS1 Y1 Seasonal changesEngland: KS2 Y5 Earth and space

Objective and success criteria

Students will: The Sun, Moon and stars.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: no earlier skill in the map; start from what students know.

Leads to: The planets of the solar system; Day and night; The Sun's path across the sky in a day

Materials: Torch and ball for a Sun-Earth-Moon model, Space images, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval: three short questions students should already manage. Answers on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. What is the Sun? (a star / a moon / a planet / a comet) → a starPrompt: It makes its own light, like the stars at night.
  2. Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is true? (The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day. / The Sun goes round the Earth. / You can only see the Moon at night. / The Moon makes its own light.) → The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day.Prompt: Which objects make their own light?
  3. Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is NOT true? (Stars are still in the sky during the day. / You can only see the Moon at night. / The Sun is a star. / The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day.) → You can only see the Moon at night.Prompt: Does the Sun really move round us?

Hook · 3 min

  • Ask why we see the Moon change shape over a month.
  • Share the objective: The Sun, Moon and stars. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: What is the Sun?
  • Step 1: The Sun is a star, the closest one to Earth.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: a star
  • Answer: a star
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. In which direction does the Sun rise? (in the north / in the west / it does not rise / in the east) → in the eastPrompt: It sets in the opposite direction.
  2. Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is true? (The Sun goes round the Earth. / You can only see the Moon at night. / The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day. / The Moon makes its own light.) → The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day.Prompt: Which objects make their own light?

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is NOT true? (The Sun goes round the Earth. / The Moon reflects light from the Sun. / The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day. / Stars are still in the sky during the day.) → The Sun goes round the Earth.Prompt: Does the Sun really move round us?
  2. Why can't we see stars in the daytime? (Stars only exist at night / The Sun's light is so bright it hides them / Clouds always cover them / The stars go away in the day) → The Sun's light is so bright it hides themPrompt: Stars are still there during the day.

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Use concrete materials: torch and ball for a sun-earth-moon model.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: The planets of the solar system; Day and night; The Sun's path across the sky in a day.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-1.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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The Sun, Moon and stars

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    In which direction does the Sun rise?

    • A. in the east
    • B. in the west
    • C. in the north
    • D. it does not rise

  2. Question 2

    Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is NOT true?

    • A. The Sun goes round the Earth.
    • B. The Sun is a star.
    • C. Stars are still in the sky during the day.
    • D. The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day.

  3. Question 3

    Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is true?

    • A. The Moon reflects light from the Sun.
    • B. The Moon makes its own light.
    • C. The Sun goes round the Earth.
    • D. You can only see the Moon at night.

  4. Question 4

    What is the Sun?

    • A. a planet
    • B. a moon
    • C. a comet
    • D. a star

  5. Question 5

    Why can't we see stars in the daytime?

    • A. Stars only exist at night
    • B. Clouds always cover them
    • C. The Sun's light is so bright it hides them
    • D. The stars go away in the day

  6. Question 6

    Why does the Sun look bigger and brighter than other stars?

    • A. Other stars are not real
    • B. It is the biggest star in the universe
    • C. It is much closer to us
    • D. It is a different kind of light

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Answer key: The Sun, Moon and stars

  1. 1. A. in the east

  2. 2. A. The Sun goes round the Earth.

  3. 3. A. The Moon reflects light from the Sun.

  4. 4. D. a star

  5. 5. C. The Sun's light is so bright it hides them

  6. 6. C. It is much closer to us