Classroom Implementation

The moon blog assignment used in EEC 413 is easily modified to suit the needs of a fourth grade or higher classroom. Before deciding on the exact format for the moon observation I would first consider the community of learners in my classroom. Depending on their abilities I would format the observation assignment in one of two ways:

1.     Word document – Instead of having students use a blog, I would have them record all of their findings in a single word document. I think more students would be familiar with Microsoft Word versus a blogging website. Additionally, the use of a word document would eliminate any possible problems that could arise with Internet use by students.  Of course, parent involvement in the assignment would be encouraged, but certainly not mandatory.

a.     If there was a student(s) without access to a computer at home he or she could jot down any observations on a piece of paper at home. The following morning in class he or she could enter any observations into a word document.

b.     The students could use the drawing tools already present in Microsoft Words to illustrate their observation of the moon or they could upload pictures or drawings to their documents. Any form of a visual representation would be accepted as long as the representation is plausible.

c.      If the students were unable to see the moon due to weather the students would be directed to a website, where they could see the current appearance of the moon. The students would be permitted to access the website from school if they are unable to do so at home.

                                               i.     http://aa.usno.navy.mil/imagery/moon

2.     Moon phase calendar – In this version of the moon observation assignment I would have the students record their moon observations on a calendar given to them at school; I will attach an example calendar at the bottom of this page. The students would be asked to observe the moon every night for a week with the help of their parents. Each evening the students would be required to document their view of the moon by coloring in the dark shadow of the part of the moon they cannot see.

a.     If the students were unable to see the moon at home the night before they would be permitted to go to the following sites for research at school: http://www.moonconnection.com/moon_phases_calendar.phtml

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/imagery/moon

Parent involvement would be highly encouraged for the moon observation assignment. Prior (one week before) to the assignment I would send home a letter to the parents detailing my expectations and learning goals. Additionally, in the letter I would attach copies of all of the directions and materials (handouts) I would be giving to the students. I want the parents to be very well acquainted with the assignment/exploration and its components before it is ever sent home with the students. This would all be done in an effort to get parents involved in this hands-on learning opportunity.

 This is the calendar I mentioned above in moon observation assignment option two. This moon observation calendar was taken from ScienceNetLinks.