Grade Levels:  3-4
 

Subjects:  Science, Language Arts, Math, Art
 

Learner Outcomes:

1. Students will compare the size of the earth with the size of the sun using pennies across the diameter of a large circle.
2. Students will use CD ROM encyclopedia program to research and locate answers to questions about the sun.
3. Students will write answers to questions using complete sentences.
4. Students will create posters displaying Amazing Facts About the Sun using Print Shop.

Duration of Lesson:  3 - 45 minute sessions
 

Materials:

• 150 pennies
• yarn
• Sun Posters (order free online)
• Amazing Facts About the Sun question strips

Technology Tools/Courseware:

• CD ROM World Book Encyclopedia
• Computers with Internet access
• Color Printer
• Internet web sites about the sun

Teacher Notes:

• Several weeks before beginning this lesson, order free sun posters online.
• The "How Big is the Sun Activity" requires a large circle be drawn on the blacktop.  You may need to save this activity for  a sunny day if the weather is inclement.

Procedures:

Day 1

1. Follow directions for "How Big is the Sun Activity"  activity.
2. Explain that students will locate answers to other questions about the sun.
3. Hand out question strips about the sun (one for every 2 students). Some groups may be assigned the same question.
4. In computer lab, assist students in locating information about the sun. Students should read encyclopedia articles carefully with their partners.
5. Students write answers to questions using complete sentences.

1. In computer lab, instruct students to open the Print Shop program.
2. Students will select option to create a sign.
3. Students will type their assigned question about the sun at the top of the sign. The answer should be typed at the bottom of the page.
4. Assist students in highlighting text and selecting a font, color and font size.
5. Provide instructions for inserting images. Use the clipart collection provided or use "copy/paste" to copy images from the web sites (listed in references) about the sun.
6. After teacher approves each team's poster, students should press "print".
7. Display posters on wall in classroom or hallway. You may want to add the caption, "Amazing Facts About the Sun".  If display space is limited, the pages may be assembled into a class book.

Modifications:

Pair special needs students with more capable readers.
 

Enrichment Activities:

Evaluation/Assessment:

Teacher's observation of students' participation in whole group activity.  Answers to questions about the sun written in sentence format.
 

State IGOs:

Math--3.39, 3.43, 4.42, 4.43.
Art--3.21, 4.19.
Science--3.1, 3.9, 3.10, 3.22, 3.28, 3.59, 4.1, 4.9, 4.19, 4.27, 4.60, 4.77.
Language Arts--3.2, 3.40, 3.43, 3.44, 3.45, 3.46, 4.5, 4.48, 4.49, 4.56, 4.69, 4.70

National Standards

References:

World Book Encyclopedia CD ROM
"How Big is the Sun Activity"
Stanford Solar Center
StarChild
Our Sun Teachers' Guide
The Sun:  Module#1
 

Authors:

Brenda Bleigh-bbleigh@access.k12.wv.us
Sandy Post-spost@access.k12.wv.us
Debbie Smith-dasmith@access.k12.wv.us
Burnsville Elementary School