Rationale
The third grade science curriculum in the State of Delaware is basic with the key ideas being the Earth/Moon/Sun System and the Solar System. In particular, the students need to recognize the patterns of movement in the Earth's sky, along with making observations of what they see in the day and night sky. They also need to be aware that there is a distinction between stars and planets, as well as recognizing that objects close up appear to be larger than those that are far away. At this point in their educational studies, it is not important for the students to know discrete facts or information covering multiple topics in detail. Technology is introduced in the Science curriculum on a limited basis, with the students using binoculars and mini telescopes to see objects that are within the Earth's atmosphere, as well as basic objects that can be seen with more magnification.
There is no question that the topic of Space is a vast one, covering many ideas and concepts that can be built upon year after year. Science and space exploration is constantly being improved and updated so that people can get a better understanding of the areas, which are outside of Earth's realm. Just as space is huge, so is the number of concepts that need to be taught in order for students to gain even a basic understanding of the topic. Student's first need to know that Earth is a planet in which we live, and that it provides all the necessary resources for humans to survive. This concept in and of itself is difficult for students to grasp, only because the planet Earth is not easy to recognize as such. Therefore, for students to understand what a planet is, will take lots of modeling, time and explanation. Since the idea of the Solar System itself is too big of an idea for the students to understand, it is broken up into smaller pieces where the students learn about the Sun, Moon and Earth separately first, then make connections later.
The Delaware science curriculum for the third grade is provided by the FOSS Science Kits. These kits are fully inclusive with all the materials needed to teach each unit in its entirety, all in one box. There are three of these kits taught at this level: Human Body, Water, and Earth Materials. You will notice that the Solar System or the Earth/Moon/Sun System are not listed. The reasoning behind this is because up until now, funding and state standard shifts have been an issue in the development of the FOSS Kits. For now though, teachers need to get their own materials based on the goals and objectives of the state and local standards. The Unit, which I am currently developing, will not be in place of a science kit; however, it will serve as a stepping-stone towards creating one.
According to the Delaware State Science Coalition, there are two essential questions, which need to be addressed in order for the students to be able to build upon the grade four expectations. Those questions are: What predictable, observable patterns occur because of the interaction between the Earth, Moon and Sun? and How has technology expanded our knowledge of the Earth, Moon and Sun system? Both of these questions will be answered and expanded upon in this Unit. However, the Unit will also cover other basics of astronomy that will help us give a better foundation for when the students advance on to the upper grades. Therefore, the purpose for this Unit will be for the students to learn about the relationships between the Earth, Moon and Sun.
Throughout the lessons in this Unit, there will be some materials used as constants to represent objects in the Solar System. A globe will be the Earth, a lamp with an exposed light bulb (light source) will be the Sun, and a softball will be the Moon. All three objects will be introduced separately at the beginning of the Unit so that while the lessons are being executed, the students will have the understanding necessary to make the appropriate connections.
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