The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons

The Moon Book

By Gail Gibbons

Summary: The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons describes the moon phases, its revolution around the earth, and how we study the moon. The book uses bright pictures and clear language to describe where the moon gets it light from. The author also details the history of travel to the moon. The Moon Book is an excellent resource to help explain the relationship between the moon, sun, and earth. At the end of the book, the author also lists major milestones, stories, and other important facts about the moon.

SC Science Standards: 4-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties, movements, and locations of objects in the solar system. (Earth Science)

Indicator: 4-3.6 Illustrate the phases of the Moon and the Moon’s effect on ocean tides.

SC ELA Standards: 4-2 The student will read and comprehend a variety of informational texts in print and non print formats.

Indicators: 4-2.6 Use graphic features (including illustrations, graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, and graphic organizers) as sources of information.

Activity/Lesson: The teacher will use this book to introduce the phases of the moon. The text will be used to introduce the new topic and peak the interest of the students. After reading the book, the students will complete a moon phase graphic organizer each night at home for a complete cycle of the moon.

Objective:

• The students will illustrate the phases of the moon

Materials:

• The Moon Book
• Moon phase graphic organizer
• Smartboard presentation about phases of the moon

Procedures:

• The teacher will start the lesson on Moon Phases by reading the book The Moon Book.
• The teacher will ask the students if they have ever noticed how the moon changes and ask the students whey they think this happens
• The teacher will discuss the different phases of the moon as well as the movement of the moon in relation to the sun and earth through a smartboard presentation.
• After the presentation, the students will be given a graphic organizer to fill out each night with the help of their parents. The students will draw the moon and write a brief description of the changes that took place from the previous night.
• At the end of the cycle the students will hand in their graphic organizers to the teacher

Follow up activity: The students will look at a lunar calendar and look up their birthdays and locate the moon phase for their birthday. The students will draw the moon phase for their birthdays.