Observing the surfaces of the Earth and the Moon

I will do a science observation with a 3rd grade classroom. By using Google Earth and Sky, the students will observe the Earth and the Moon and determine their similarities and their differences.

Content:
In the State Core Curriculum under Science, I will be referring to:

Standard 1 -- Students will understand that the shape of Earth and the moon are spherical and
that Earth rotates on its axis to produce the appearance of the sun and moon
moving through the sky.

Objective 1 -- Describe the appearance of Earth and the moon.

Indicator --
a. Describe the shape of Earth and the moon as spherical.
b. Explain that the sun is the source of light that lights the moon.
c. List the differences in the physical appearance of Earth and the moon as viewed
from space.

Pedagogy:
Observing -- the students will use Google Earth and Sky to observe the Earth and the Moon
and make some discoveries.
Predictions -- from observing the Earth and the Moon, make predictions about how they are
similar and different.
Constructing a
hypothesis -- making an educated guess about the similarities and differences of the Earth and
Moon.
Acquire and
Process the Data -- constructing a table to show the similarities and the differences
between the Earth and the Moon.
Analyze the data -- determine if our data is accurate by comparing it to other sources using the
internet.
Conclusion -- Was our prediction accurate?

Technology:
The students will use Google Earth and Sky in the observation assignment. This is a useful took because it allows the students to see up close and move around both the Earth and the Moon. It also lets the students see the time-lapse for how the sun moves across the Earth and the Moon; giving light to both.

Watching others videos

I watched videos from

• Brittany Crowder -- lots of fun to watch. Exciting topic of Volcanoes and Earthquakes. I like the variety of activities used.
• Alexis Pagel -- I love the Zoo!! What a fun place to go and see the animals up close and to see how they are at a safe distance. Nice job on choosing the animals you did. I loved it! Makes me want to go now.
• Ashley Howes -- This was on the relationships between human settlements and geography. What an interesting way to share with the viewer so many ways to see the different settlements in different areas. Nice job on the variety of tools used.
• Marni Story -- Great minds think alike!! I loved it. I was able to go places I probably will never get to see. I like the variety of tools you used. It was a fun tour. Nice job!!
  

Here is my link to watch my Google Earth Tour

http://sites.google.com/site/mybyufilecabinet/googletour/Erosionsitesontheearth.kmz?attredirects=0

Erosion and its effects of the Earth

Three TPACK Questions

Content: Science 5th grade
Standard 2 -- Students will understand that volcanoes, earthquakes, uplift, weathering and erosion reshape the Earth's surface.

Objective1 -- Describe how weathering and erosion change the Earth's surface

b -- Describe how geological features (eg. valleys, canyons, buttes, arches) are changes through erosion (eg. waves, wind, glaciers, gravity, running water)

I chose this topic because I love to study natural wonders and how nature shapes the earth using different kinds of force.

Pedagogy:
I will be teaching 3 aspects of erosion and the effects it has on the earth. This is an exciting concept to teach 5th graders because they are adventuresome and like the outdoors -- viewing cool things that nature, not man, has created using a type of natural force.

Technology:
I like the idea of a virtual tour as my technology to show the students actual places that they may not have seen, or may have an opportunity to share with the class if they have. This creates a level of excitement as they see how nature through erosion shapes the earth into these amazing creations. Google Earth creates a reality that pictures, books or even movies really can't express. Google Earth puts you right there.

Erosion and the Effects It Has on the Earth

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
1. The Grand Canyon, AZ	Using the ruler in the tools, measure the width of the Colorado River and, the vertical drop from "Dawn Light" Toroweep to the Colorado river.	I will put a placemark with information about the erosion that has taken place and is still happening, shaping the grand canyon. Instruction given to complete the activity.
2. Devil's Tower, WY	Using the ruler in the tools, measure the length in feet from the top of the tower to its base. Also, measure the width and lenghth of the top of the tower.	I will put a placemark on the top of Devil's tower and will format it with information from Wikipedia and some images of the surrounding area to show how erosion can change the landscape. Instruction given to complete the activity.
3. Arches National Park, UT	Using the ruler, measure in feet the highest point of the arch straight down to the ground. Also, measure in feet the length of the base of the arch from the outside of one side to outside of the other side.	I have put a placemark on the Landscape arch and will format it to show different pictures of the arch and make a path to other arches close by. Instruction will be given to complete the activity.
4. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina	Use the ruler to determine how long, in feet, the glacier is from the back to the front and then from side to side.	I have put a placemark on the Perito Moreno Glacier and will format it with pictures. I will add a path to show the U-shape of the mountains -- a characteristic of what glaciers do to the landscape. Instruction given to complete the activity.