Standard 1, Objective 1

Utah Core, 3rd Grade Science

Standard 1, Objective 1 

Describe the appearance of Earth and the moon.

1. Describe the shape of Earth and the moon as spherical. 
2. Explain that the sun is the source of light that lights the moon. 
3. List the differences in the physical appearance of Earth and the moon as viewed from space.

Demonstration

Show the class a photograph of the earth taken from space, and another of the moon. Point out important differences in their appearance, such as the moon's gray color and craters and the earth's blue color and weather systems. Make a Venn diagram on the board displaying similarities and differences in the appearance of the two celestial bodies.

Activity Give each child a circular piece of white card stock. Have them draw the moon on one side and the earth on the other, paying attention to the details we have included in our Venn diagram. Once they have colored both sides, hang the art work from the ceiling throughout the unit.

Essential Questions

1. What differences do you notice about the appearance of the earth and the moon?

2. Using what you know about the earth and the moon, how would you explain the differences in their appearance?