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Science lesson plan · 1st grade (Year 2 in England) · 45 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 · 5 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. In which direction does the Sun rise? (it does not rise / in the west / in the north / 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. / The Moon reflects light from the Sun. / You can only see the Moon at night. / The Moon makes its own light.) → The Moon reflects light from the Sun.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. / The Sun is a star. / The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day. / The Sun goes round the Earth.) → The Sun goes round the Earth.Prompt: Does the Sun really move round us?

Hook · 5 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 · 10 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 · 10 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. Why can't we see stars in the daytime? (The stars go away in the day / Clouds always cover them / The Sun's light is so bright it hides them / Stars only exist at night) → The Sun's light is so bright it hides themPrompt: Stars are still there during the day.
  2. Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is true? (The Sun goes round the Earth. / The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day. / The Moon makes its own light. / You can only see the Moon at night.) → The Sun appears to move across the sky during the day.Prompt: Which objects make their own light?

You do: independent practice · 10 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 · 5 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 appears to move across the sky during the day. / The Moon reflects light from the Sun. / The Sun goes round the Earth. / Stars are still in the sky during the day.) → The Sun goes round the Earth.Prompt: Does the Sun really move round us?
  2. 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.

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

    Sun, Moon and stars: which statement is true?

    • A. The Moon makes its own light.
    • B. You can only see the Moon at night.
    • C. Stars are still in the sky during the day.
    • D. The Sun goes round the Earth.

  2. Question 2

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

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

  3. Question 3

    What is the Sun?

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

  4. Question 4

    In which direction does the Sun rise?

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

  5. Question 5

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

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

  6. Question 6

    Why can't we see stars in the daytime?

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

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Answer key: The Sun, Moon and stars

  1. 1. C. Stars are still in the sky during the day.

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

  3. 3. D. a star

  4. 4. D. in the east

  5. 5. D. It is much closer to us

  6. 6. B. The Sun's light is so bright it hides them