Moon Phases/The 
Science 
Sun & Shadows  Grade 5 

Day2 
2 Days- 45min/50min 
  Unit4- Lesson #3b 
     

 
Standards  Materials 
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)   ● Classroom 
whiteboard/marker 
5-ESS1-2: ​Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily 
changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the  ● Classroom word wall with 
seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky​.   headings: Word, In my 
Language, Meaning, and 
Picture 
Learning Target 
● Chromebooks (one per 
1. I will be able to gather data that illustrates the patterns and movement of
student) 
the sunrise and sunset, and the moon and its phases.  
● Moon data graphic 
organizer with 
Lesson Sequence and Activities 
accompanied graph paper 
2. Introduction (10min)  for graphing the results 
a. Re-introduce learning target (on white board/choral read). 
b. Students will be split back up into their expert groups  ● Shadow data chart and 
(Moon Group and Sun and Shadow Group) To get students  graphing page. 
back to thinking about their investigation from the day 
● Chalk 
prior they will engage in a Science Talk: 
i. MG- “How/When will the moon move in the night  ● Measuring tape 
sky?” 
ii. SSG- “Where will the sun be positioned when it   
creates its longest shadow? shortest?” 
c. Teacher will be taking note of any misconceptions that 
might need to be individually addressed before students  Resources 
begin collecting their data  ● Elementary Research Platform 
3. Building Knowledge (30min)  for Vocabulary 
a. The expert groups will now be transitioning to their  http://www.symbaloo.com/mi
research stations, from the day prior. I will once again give  x/inquiry-research-grk-5 
them both an outline of their stations, tasks to follow, and  ● Shadow Data Chart 
assigned group member jobs   https://www.scholastic.com/te
b.   achers/blog-posts/genia-conn
i. Moon Group: (30min)  ell/interactive-science-human-
1. Use Chromebooks and log onto  sundial/ 
http://www.timebie.com/moon/edwardsco. ● Moon Phase Research 
php​ You will be exploring moon phases 

 
     

Moon Phases/The Sun & Shadows Day2    1 

 
 over an hourly, weekly, and monthly  http://www.timebie.com/moo
period.  n/edwardsco.php 
2. In the graphic organizer provided, sketch 
the moon phase and name for each of the   
given dates/times 
 
3. Write a summary sentence on the patterns 
you see. Did you see changes for each   
observation (hourly/weekly/monthly) 
4. Tomorrow I will give you time to graph 
moon rise/set on the back side of the 
graphic organizer 
ii. Sun and Shadow Group: (30min) 
1. Each pair of students will receive a shadow 
data chart and graphing page. This is where 
you will be sketching and recording the 
data for your shadows throughout the day 
2. You and your partner may head out to the 
blacktop to complete the first part of the 
data collection and get everything set up. 
Locate the N,S,E,W that I have already 
marked on the blacktop with chalk for you. 
You will want to make sure you are starting 
facing the north. Take note of where the 
sun is currently positioned and then you 
may begin tracing each other.  
3. One partner marks an X on the ground in 
chalk as their starting point, and then labels 
the X with their name. 
4. That student then stands on the X, facing 
north while their partner traces their 
shadow. Both students should work 
together to measure the shadow from heel 
to the top of the head. 
5. Inside the shadow, record the measurement 
and the time the measurement was taken. 
6. Students switch roles and repeat the 
procedure. 
7. Before going in, record all of the 
information on your data collection chart. 
8. You will be making your second 
observation during snack break, recess, and 
before we go home for the day. 
9. Tomorrow I will give you time to create 
your graph 
4. Closure (10min) 
a. Students will return to their table groups and orally share 
their predictions for their graph results with the alternate 
group. Moon Group will share for 5min and then Sun and 
Shadow Group will share for 5 min.  

 
     

Moon Phases/The Sun & Shadows Day2    2 

 
Accommodations for Language Learners 
1. Handout offers student the ability to collect data through sketches.  
2. Table groups are set up with a variation in language proficiencies. 
3. The classroom word wall with all vocabulary words will remain up 
throughout the entire unit for students to refer to 
 

 
     

Moon Phases/The Sun & Shadows Day2    3