Measuring shadows
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?DocID=7
A lesson plan for grade 6 Mathematics and Science
The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to determine the pattern (length and direction) of shadows cast by sunlight during a several month period and to develop an interpretation of the daily and seasonal patterns and variations observed. For the most part, change should not be taught as a separate subject. At every opportunity throughout the school years the theme of change should be brought up in the context of the science, mathematics, or technology subject being studied. In the earliest grades, children should be encouraged to observe change and describe it. Once they have a variety of experiences with change, they are ready to start thinking more abstractly about patterns of change. (Benchmarks, p. 271)
In middle school, students can look for more sophisticated patterns, including rates of change and cyclic patterns. These activities have to be built into a framework of trying to understand the world around us and realizing that some observations have to be taken over extended periods of time in order to see the patterns and to develop interpretations that explain the observations and patterns. Activities associated with these objectives may occupy an entire school year, but, except for the discussions of results and interpretations, very little class time need be spent on any particular day. Students can be reminded that the study of planets and stars takes a lot of time, because changes are gradual and not under human control.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 6
- Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will select and use appropriate tools to measure two- and three-dimensional figures.
- Objective 2.01: Estimate and measure length, perimeter, area, angles, weight, and mass of two- and three-dimensional figures, using appropriate tools.
- Objective 2.02: Solve problems involving perimeter/circumference and area of plane figures.
- Goal 3: Geometry -The learner will understand and use properties and relationships of geometric figures in the coordinate plane.
- Objective 3.04: Solve problems involving geometric figures in the coordinate plane.
Science (2005)
Grade 6
- Goal 5: The learner will build understanding of the Solar System.
- Objective 5.01: Analyze the components and cycles of the solar system including:
- Sun.
- Planets and moons.
- Asteroids and meteors.
- Comets.
- Phases.
- Seasons.
- Day/year.
- Eclipses.
- Objective 5.01: Analyze the components and cycles of the solar system including:
