Fourth grade lesson plan combining mathematics and space exploration concepts

Lesson Plan

MATH Lesson Plan

Grade Level:

4th

Activity Name: Space and Math

Learning Domain

Classroom, Internet, Field trips

Children should know history of the space program and its impact on science, math, history, politics and technology.

Education Standards Addressed

Combination of history, civics and math

(Specify skills/information that will be learned.)

Teach about math in terms of things like speed, rotation speed, circumference, and so forth.

Materials Needed:

Books

Pencils

(Specific skill / concept being taught in lesson)

Applying math to space-related concepts

Vocabulary:

Units of measurement, dimensions and speeds. Examples would include diameter, perimeter, speed, velocity and so forth. Nothing too complicated…just the basics.

Other Resources:

(e.g. Web, books, etc.)

Procedure/s: (List of steps in lesson delivery) Include as applicable and in order of delivery:

Examine and Talk, Demonstrate, Model, Plan, Guide, Record, Describe, Explore, Acquire, Practice, etc.

Explains terms and concepts in terms of numbers and measurement and how they apply to real life. For example, compare speed of car or runner to speed of Shuttle. How long the Shuttle is as compared to common objects like cars and such would be helpful

Evaluation/Summary:

Quiz

Test

Interaction

Remediation:

Remedial Activities

Follow up with weaker students as needed -- encourage those that thrive

Extension:

Enrichment Activities

Same ones mentioned in the other two parts of this matrix.

Additional Notes:

SCIENCE Lesson Plan

Grade Level:

4th

Subject:

Space

Prepared By:

Activity Name:

The used book will discuss Earth as a planet, the atmosphere, the stars, other planets/galaxies and space travel

Learning Domain

Classroom and some potential outside work

Overview & Purpose

The students will learn about one major part of science and indeed something that affects us every day in the form of solar flares, the tides and asteroids.

Education Standards Addressed

An understanding of space, time and the history of our planet

And larger universe.

Objectives:

(Specify skills/information that will be learned.)

Learn about scientific research and theory

Learn about history of space program

Learn about history of science

Materials Needed:

Book "What's Out There"

Content:

(Specific skill / concept being taught in lesson)

Summary of planets, atmosphere, etc.

Exice kids about science

Vocabulary:

Terms like "planet," "atmosphere" and so forth so as to assist student in identifying things they have already seen but just didn't know the name for.

Other Resources:

(e.g. Web, books, etc.)

Procedure/s: (List of steps in lesson delivery) Include as applicable and in order of delivery:

Examine and Talk, Demonstrate, Model, Plan, Guide, Record, Describe, Explore, Acquire, Practice, etc.

Have kids read in groups and then explain the details to the class at large. Students will be asked questions on the spot to elicit their feelings about what they liked or were interested in to make sure they're reading the material

Evaluation/Summary:

A light quiz to make sure that the Material is being paid attention to And that students are engaged.

Remediation:

Remedial Activities

Students that struggle will be given remedial attention during or after class. Those with a high interested can be pointed to similar books.

Extension:

Enrichment Activities

Field trip to space museum or planetarium if one is nearby.

Additional Notes:

SOCIAL STUDIES Lesson Plan

Grade Level:

4th

Subject:

Space & Politics

Prepared By:

Activity Name: Science and Social Studies

Learning Domain

Classroom with or without television/movies

Overview & Purpose

Add historical context to the science and accomplishments of space programs.

Education Standards Addressed

If your state has early learning standards, please identify and list the standards that this lesson addresses

Objectives:

(Specify skills/information that will be learned.)

Talk about the history and political context of the space program both back then and now (Kennedy, etc.)

Materials Needed:

Book

Content:

(Specific skill / concept being taught in lesson)

Overall history of the program, the shortcomings (e.g. The Challenger), and what has come from investment in program including technology and scientific discoveries

Vocabulary:

Politican names, positions, terms and Jargon.

Political terms, historical terms, names of famous figures such as astronauts and politicians. What they did then and since.

Other Resources:

(e.g. Web, books, etc.)

Web, Videos, etc.

Procedure/s: (List of steps in lesson delivery) Include as applicable and in order of delivery:

Examine and Talk, Demonstrate, Model, Plan, Guide, Record, Describe, Explore, Acquire, Practice, etc.

Cover the rough history of the program, the names involved and so forth. Watch videos and apply the learning to real-world situations.

Evaluation/Summary:

On the spot

Pop quizzes

And tests.

Remediation:

Remedial Activities

Just as before, given more attention to those that struggle and encourage whose with a high interest

Extension:

Enrichment Activities

Trips to local, state or national poltical events and structures so as to apply to real life.

Additional Notes:

Conclusion

When it all comes down to it, it is clear that there is a dual focus that many to most teachers have to focus on. They don't want to be too afraid to teach and help learn that important topics are avoided or at least not hit as hard as they should be. On the other hand, there are things that must be taught and thus should be. The fact that so many grown adults know so little about basic science, social studies and mathematics is quite troubling and off-putting when it is realized and thought about what is at stake if the adults of America are so poorly educated about such matters