I would choose an activity based on the topic of ‘The Moon.’ As mentioned in the module, I think it is a fantastic introduction to astronomy for children and this lesson would help them to understand its phases and appearance.
I would adapt the Esero lesson ‘The Man in the Moon’ for use in my class. I think it is a lovely, simple, concise lesson suitable for junior classes.
I would begin reading the book ‘Moon Man’ by Tomi Ungerer and eliciting any information or facts the children already know about the moon. We would compile a KWL chart based on the information collected.
I would invite the children to make their own moon using a variety of materials. When finished, we would discuss each moon and why the children made it the way that they did, paying particular attention to the shape and colour.
I would explain that the moon is spherical in shape, and how from earth we can see the moon as a circle, or even a crescent, depending on the phase it is in – how it is positioned in relation to the sun. To further explain this, I would use a model globe with a sun lamp that I have in my classroom.
I would finish off the lesson by showing the children some visuals of the moon in its different phases