Title:  High in the Sky

Lesson:  4

Grade:  6

Subjects:  Language Arts, Science, Art

Learner Outcomes:  Students will broaden their understanding of constellations named for mythological creatures and research the story of how the constellations got into the sky.

Duration of Lesson:  2-3 (45 minute) class periods

Materials:
    Dictionaries
    Encyclopedias
    Books on Astronomy
    Websites
    Black or Dark Blue Construction Paper
    White Chalk or White Crayon
    Gummed Stars (Gold or Silver)

Technology Tools/Course Ware:
    Student Computers/Lab
    Microsoft Office
    Internet

Teacher Notes:  We are using books and websites that should be readily available.

Procedures:

   1.  Students will use books or internet resources to find names of
        constellations.
   2.  Identify those constellations named for mythological creatures.
   3.  Select a constellation to research.
   4.  Write a report about a constellation including  whom constellation was
        named the story, of how it got into the sky, the main stars, and the season
        in which it is found.
        The following websites will aid students in gathering information:
            Constellation by Month and Alphabetical Listing of Constellations

Modifications:  Teacher should determine the need for student assistance based on IEP and request from  special educator.  Support staff may be present during the lesson.  Teachers are encouraged to use peer tutoring, cooperative groups, or small group activities.

Enrichment Activities:  Create your own constellation on black or dark blue construction paper.  Arrange 4-10 gummed stars in any pattern as desired.  Make up a story about the constellation created.

Evaluation/Assessment:
    Scoring Rubric
    Class Participation
    Completed Report

National Standards:
     Language Arts:
        1.  Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the
              writing process
         2.  Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written
              compositions
         3.  Gathers and uses information for research purposes
         4.  Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the
              reading process
    Science:
         1.  Understands essential ideas about the composition and structure of the
              universe and the Earth's place in it

West Virginia IGOs:
    RLA: 6.1.5, 6.2.3, 6.2.4, 6.2.8, 6.2.12
     TEC: 6.3.1, 6.5.2
        SC: 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.9

References: Marvelous Mythology by Mary Elizabeth Bradford & Nancy
                       Mastrolianni
                    Constellations by Month
                    Alphabetical Listing of Constellations
                         The Constellations

Created By:  Holz Elementary
                       Myrna B. Geiger
                    Rachel B. Sweet
                    Cathy D. Walker
 
 
 
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6

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