Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Virtual Moon Phases

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 4th

Content Standard Addressed: S4E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of
the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun as observed from the Earth. b.
Develop a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon (new,
crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full).

Technology Standard Addressed: 6. Creative Communicator Students communicate clearly and express
themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media
appropriate to their goals. c. communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a
variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPop

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://www.brainpop.com/

Type of Instructional Software:

☒ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☒ Simulation ☒ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☒ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☒ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☒ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☒ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level): (Select the one best level)
☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☒ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): This technology tool is accessible for learners of differentiation. There is
visual, auditory and hands on games, assessments and activities. The website also has a Spanish mode for
speakers and readers of Spanish. This tool is accessible not only from a PC or laptop, but also is an application
on any mobile device or tablet and can be accessed at any time.
Engagement: This website is full of colors, animation and comedic education. The age ranges from K-12 and
engagement is encouraged for the full learning experience. Students can play games, create quizzes and track
their progress.
Representation: The website is organized by subject, grade level and language. The links are quick and the

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animations are clear and visible. There is minimal to no glitches on the website.
Action and Expression: The students will be encourage to participate in the games and assessments. They are
able to create study guides based off of their personal preferences, interact with simulations and drill &
practice the content for additional practice, but these can all be based off what topic the student selects. The
website is personalized to the student’s preferences.

Lesson idea implementation: Students will watch the informational video of the moon phases from the
website BrainPop. This videos covers the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun
as observed from the Earth and gives the students a creative animated visual representation. The instructor
will then introduce the option to make a web using the cyclical relationship map. Next the students will use
the resources available from the “make a web” option on the website to create a cyclical relationship map.
This map will be a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon
(new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full).
This will be a formative assessment to see how much information was obtained from the video on the moon
phases. This project will give the students an opportunity to be creative through their learning. The students
will be required to recall and reflect what they have learned, along with exploring new ways to display their
knowledge. The students will be given time during class after the teacher’s demonstration to work on the
map. Then the students will be given four days to complete the map. Once the web is assessed, the instructor
will give one on one individual feedback, so the students can edit their maps.
Reflective Practice: This activity appeals to visual and auditory learners, with the option for hands on
experience. These differentiation approaches will appeal to multiple audiences and can assist students in
challenging themselves cognitively. The activity could be extended by having the students create a diorama
from their relationship web virtually or physically. This is a practice of note taking and studying to recalling to
elevating and creating a product. The students could use a virtual builder to make a diorama or model of the
moon phases, or they could use lo tech resources to create a physical model.

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