Baltimore County Public Schools Division of Curriculum and Instruction

Lesson Plan
Lesson Activity 7 (Day 8)
Unit Title Taking A Closer Look at Space

Objective Students will read for information in order to compare the physical characteristics of three stars.
Alignment Maryland State Curriculum Indicator Science
Grade 4
2.0 Earth/Space Science
D. Astronomy
1. Identify and describe the variety of objects in the universe through first-hand
observations using the unaided eye, binoculars or telescopes or videos and/or
pictures from reliable sources
b. Identify the sun as the Earth’s closest star
c. Recognize that stars are like the sun, some are smaller and some larger
d. Recognize and describe that the stars are not all the same in apparent
brightness
1.0 Skills and Processes
D. Technology
3. Examine and modify models and discuss their limitations
a. Explain that a model is a simplified imitation of something and that a model's
value lies in suggesting how the thing modeled works

Grade 5
2.0 Earth/Space Science
D. Astronomy
1. Identify and compare properties, location, and movement of celestial objects in
our solar system
a. Recognize that like all planets and stars, the Earth is spherical

ISTE Standards
1. Creativity and Innovation
-Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop
innovative products and processes using technology.
2. Research and Information Fluency
-Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
3. Communication and Collaboration
-Students use digital media and environments to communication and work
collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and
contribute to the learning of others.

Formative Students will be assessed on their ability to distinguish the characteristics of the three stars.
Assessment/
Scoring Tool for BCPS One Quiz
Exemplary 10- Student correctly distinguishes all of the characteristics of each star into the correct
Response “bucket”
9- Student makes one error
8- Student makes two errors
7- Student makes three errors
Etc…
Learning Visual Auditory
Preferences Kinesthetic Tactile
Field Dependent Active

Grade 4 Science 59 Taking a Closer Look at Space

Baltimore County Public Schools Division of Curriculum and Instruction

Field Independent Reflective

Global Sequential
Lesson Planner Components Brief Description
with  Students will log onto BCPS one and go to the Board Builder for Star
Differentiation Research.
 On the board there is a review of the definitions of sun and star
 Students will first watch the video clip on Stars and Constellations
from Safari Montage
 After watching the clip students will complete the fill in the blank to be
shared aloud.
A Star’s Life Cycle
1. Clouds of dust and hydrogen gas are squeezed together by gravity.
2. The gas heats up and a hydrogen bomb-like reaction takes place
forming a new star.
3. The star gradually uses up its fuel and swells up into a red giant
star.
4. When the star uses up all of its fuel, it will shrink down and
become a white dwarf star.

 Students will then use the Symbaloo to explore/research the physical

characteristics of three different stars focusing on the following
characteristics: age, size, color, temperature, and brightness.
http://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAAAsD_zO0AA41_HISDcg==

 Students will use the graphic organizer/chart to document their research

 Once students complete their research they will complete the BCPS One
Star Characteristics Game to assess their research
 After students finish the BCPS One quiz, they will use Kahoot! to create
a quiz on one of the stars researched today. They can then find a group
of peers to take their quiz as well as participate in other students’
quizzes.

Materials  Computers
 Fill in the blank worksheet
 Graphic organizer
Vocabulary star – a huge ball of glowing gas that appears as a bright point in the night sky
sun – a huge ball of gases around which the Earth and other planets of the solar system revolve

Technology Resources References

Technology/ Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students
Information 3.0 – Technology for Learning and Collaboration
Literacy A. Learning
Standard(s) 1. Use and explain how technology tools enhance learning
a. Use technology tools, including software and hardware, from a range of
teacher-selected options to learn new content or reinforce skills

Materials and Necessary Location (if Notes on Use or Application

Equipment Materials/Equipment appropriate)
Computers classroom To research star characteristics

Grade 4 Science 60 Taking a Closer Look at Space

Baltimore County Public Schools Division of Curriculum and Instruction

Technology Type Notes on Use or Application

Resources Symbaloo Stores research websites/resources
BCPS One Location of formative assessment
Kahoot Used as a tool for students to reflect learning & assess
one another
Instagrok Website for students to use to research the stars
Board Builder Contains directions and links to all resources

Grade 4 Science 61 Taking a Closer Look at Space