Brad Coleman

Lesson For 2/13/14

Science 8
th
Period

Ancient Models of the World/Cosmos Lesson (Two days)

Rationale
I am teaching this lesson so students can understand how different ancient
cultures had different theories and stories on the creation and existence of
Earth and the rest of the universe.
This lesson is important to our space unit because students should
understand that while we arent positive how life began, there are many
different theories and it did not just happen.
This lesson fits into the big picture as it is part of the beginning of the
astronomy unit

Standards
Science 5.1.4.B.3 Formulate explanations from evidence
5.1.4.D.2 Work collaboratively to pose, refine, and evaluate questions,
investigations, models and theories
5.4.4.A.4 Analyze and evaluate evidence in the form of data tables and
photographs to categorize and relate solar system objects

Source
The source of this lesson comes from an activity used by the third grade in their
solar system unit. I am making it my own by combining the activity and relating it to
The Woman Who Fell from the Sky by John Bierhorst.

Objective
SWBAT understand that ancient civilizations view of the cosmos were shaped by
their geographical surroundings

Materials
Ancient Models of the World Activity
Pencils
Colored pencils
World maps

Procedure

Introduction
Students remain at desks. No materials are needed.
Activate prior knowledge by asking what kind of stories we read last week
o Creation (African & Iroquois)
What did we discuss that influenced these creation stories?
o Geography/where they lived
Introduce activity to the class

Lesson Development
Explain activity
o You will each be given four Ancient Models of the World
o There are four short explanations of the Earth, from four different
countries. They are each very different.
o Together, we are going to read each one
Put copy on overhead
Call on four different students to read each myth
Continue directions after reading
o Work with your science partner. You will be given a map. Find each
of the four countries on the map. On pages two and three, you will
write how the geographical location of each country influenced their
story of the Earth.
For example, we just discussed how the Iroquois creation story
was heavily based on nature and things you would find in the
woods, because they lived where?
Forrest
Discuss with your partner because they might have ideas that
you didnt think of.
o If you are finished with time left, the next page allows you to create
your own theory of the world
Use your maps to pick any place in the world. Write a short
story about that countrys ancient model of the world. Use
geographical features that you see on the map or may know
about your country to write your story.
After you write your story, you may draw a picture to model
your story, such as the ones on the first page.
We will continue with this part tomorrow, and then we will
share some of our stories
Dismiss students to begin working
Teacher will walk around helping partners that are struggling or failing to
stay on task
o Many students may need assistance finding one or more of the
countries on a map
o If too much time is being spent locating countries, teacher may put up
a map on the overhead to show the class as a whole where the
countries are.

Differentiation
Students are partnered and will be able to help each other. Mr. Coleman and Mrs.
Reil will be available for students who are struggling.

Conclusion
How do we think the ancient countries based their world design?
o Their surroundings
o Geography of where they live
Do you think people living in the middle of Russia thought the Earth floated
in the ocean?
o No, they would be surrounded by land
We know so much more today, thanks to scientists and technology. These
stories might sound silly to us now. But if you lived thousands of years ago,
you would believe stories like these, because until people started exploring
the globe, you would have no way of knowing what was outside of your
country.
We will finish this activity tomorrow. Please put this in your science folder
and have everything you need to pack up on your desk
Dismiss students to pack up by table

Assessment
Students will be assessed throughout the lesson through participation and teacher
observance. Further assessment will come from the completion of the Ancient
Models of the World activity.