Lesson: 5
Grade: 6
Subjects: Mathematics, Science, and Art
Learner
Outcomes:
Students will find and record distances of constellations
from the earth.
Students
will plot stars in a constellation on paper, then graph
on calculators.
Duration of Lesson: 2-3 (45 minute) class periods
Materials:
TI-73
constellation instructions
Constellation
Coordinates
graph
paper
pencil
ruler
paper
Technology
Tools/Sourceware:
TI-73
graphing calculator
TI-73
Graph Link computer program
Computer
Internet
Printer
(optional)
Teacher Notes:
Prior
to this activity, students should have some experience
with coordinate
graphing.
They should understand the difference between
x- and y- axes and know
how to list an ordered pair.
Procedures:
1.
Distribute graph paper and coordinates for the constellation Canis
Major.
2.
Students will plot the points for Plot 1, connecting the points in
order
with
lines.
3.
On the same graph, but not connected to Plot 1, students will plot and
connect the points for Plot 2. Label the graph: Canis
Major.
4.
Distribute directions for graphing Canis Major on the TI-73 graphing
calculator. Follow these directions step-by-step with the
class.
You
may print the completed graphs using TI-Graph Link if desired.
5.
Allow students to choose another constellation to graph independently.
They will follow the same procedure, but use the coordinate pairs for
their
constellation. Some constellations have only one plot.
Those
use lists
only on L1 and L2
so eliminate # 3g.
Modifications:
Teachers should determine the need for student assistance
based on modifications on
the IEP and the request of the special educator.
Students may work in pairs
to plot points on the calculator.
Enrichment
Activities:
Students
may plot points for constellations not already listed. First,
students
will print a constellation
from the constellation
website. They will transfer the
stars to graph paper and
determine the x- and y- coordinates for each star.
Next, they will list the
ordered pairs an order that will create the lines
connecting the
stars.
Some points may need to be plotted twice. Set the
window so that the
constellation
will appear in the center of the graph. If the
graph does not look like
the constellation, adjust the coordinates and/or the
window.
Evaluation /
Assessment:
Scoring
Rubric: Accurate plots of the constellation on graph
paper
and on the calculator.
National
Standards:
Science:
1. Understands essential ideas about the composition and
structure
of the
universe and the Earth's place in it
Math:
1. Understands and applies basic and advanced concepts of
statistics
and
data analysis
2. Understands the general nature and uses of mathematics
West
Virginia State IGOs:
SC:6.2.7,
6.2.9
References:
The
Constellations website
Constellations
of the Month website
Texas
Instruments website
Created By:
Holz Elementary School
Myrna B. Geiger
Rachel
B. Sweet
Cathy
D. Walker
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