Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Standards:
ESS1.A: The Universe and its Stars- The sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than other
stars because it is closer. Stars range greatly in their distance from Earth.
5-ESS1-1: Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared
to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
Students will be able to identify the properties The teacher will assess for correct
of a star. identification of properties of stars through a
whole class discussion.
Students will be able to experiment with The teacher will assess for appropriate
apparent size and compare their results to comparison between the distance evaluation
stars in the sky. and stars in the sky by looking at student
answers on the apparent distance worksheet.
Students will be able to experiment with The teacher will assess for student’s ability to
apparent brightness and compare their results make conclusions about the apparent
to stars and the sun. brightness of stars after the investigation,
using the apparent brightness worksheet.
The teacher will also assess for
comprehension of the connection between
apparent size and apparent brightness during
the closing class discussion.
Materials/Resources: (List materials, include any online or book references and resources)
Opening: choice board shared with the students via Google Drive, post-it notes, YouTube video
Investigations: Flashlights (3), tissue paper, flashlight worksheets, distance worksheets, rulers
Logistics:
Flashlights and tissue paper will be prepared ahead of time, choice board will be already shared
with students. Groups will be chosen based on the tables the students already sit at.
Timing:
57-minute class periods
● 10-minute beginning
● 15 minutes for each investigation- 33 minutes total, including the switch between groups
● 10-minute closing
● 4 minutes extra for transitions and questions
Transitions:
Students will be brought to a whole-group setting before the start of the lesson. Students will be
placed into 2 groups and will either stay in the classroom or go out in the hallway depending on
which group they are in. Transitions will be monitored by Miss Anderson and Miss Taylor.
Classroom Management:
All directions will be given before the students receive their materials or move locations. To gain
whole class attention, the hand clapping method will be utilized. Students are aware of the
classroom clean up procedures but will be reminded to hand their worksheets in before leaving.
Differentiation:
For higher level students- https://www.space.com/23286-brightest-stars-night-sky.html
Students who may struggle with the topic will be supported through teacher guidance and peer
support. Miss Anderson and Miss Taylor will redirect students who get distracted or disengaged,
possibly engaging them by giving them a job (holding the flashlight).
Some classes are much larger than others, so we may decide to do the two investigations as
whole class or extend the lesson into Friday.
Stars Choice Board
Which star is closest to us? Why are some stars bright Is the sun the largest star?
and others dim?
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech
.edu/ask/208-Which-star-is- http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech .edu/ask/6-Is-the-sun-the-
closest-to-us .edu/ask/213-Why-are-some- largest-star
stars-bright-and-others-dim
What is a star? What are stars made of? How many stars do you see at
night?
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech
.edu/ask/204-What-is-a-star .edu/ask/205-What-are-stars- http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech
made-of .edu/ask/206-How-many-
stars-can-you-see-at-night
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech
.edu/ask/215-How-far-away-
are-the-stars
Directions:
Choose four objects in the room. Place object on a table and measure the length and width.
Record your observations. Stand 2 yards away, hold the ruler in the air and measure the apparent
size of the object. Record your observations. Answer the questions on the back of the worksheet
after you record your measurements.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Standard-
ESS1.A: The Universe and its Stars- The sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than other
stars because it is closer. Stars range greatly in their distance from Earth.
How does the size of the object appear different when viewed from a new distance?
Claim:
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Evidence:
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Claim:
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Reasoning:
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Claim:
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Reasoning:
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Apparent Brightness Investigation
Directions:
● Trial 1: Observe the flashlights at the 4m mark and record your observations.
● Trial 2: Record the distance of each flashlight from the observers. Observe the brightness
of each flashlight and record your observations.
After recording all observations, answer the concluding questions on the back of this sheet.
Trial 1:
Flashlight # Distance from Observer Observed Brightness (very
bright, bright, or dim)
Trial 2:
Flashlight # Distance from Observer Observed Brightness (very
bright, bright, or dim)
(Standard) 5-ESS1-1: Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun
compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
Describe the brightness of the flashlights in Trial 1.
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Describe the brightness of the flashlights in Trial 2. Are there any changes?
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How does the distance from the observer affect the brightness of the flashlight?
Observation:
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______________________________________________________________________________
Claim:
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______________________________________________________________________________
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