Lesson 1 - What Causes of the Moon Phases?

Project: Digital Storytelling

GPS Standard:
S4E2 Students will model the position and motion of the Earth in the solar system and
will explain the role of relative position and motion in determining sequence of the
phases of the moon.
b. Explain the sequence of the phases of the moon.

After this lesson you will be able to
Understand legal and ethical behavior associated with research and
technology.
Identify the cause of the moon phases.
Effectively evaluate websites and other information while researching.
Collaborate with peers to create a Digital Story.
Compare multiple Web 2.0 tools.
Research and synthesize information to create a presentation using a
Web 2.0 tool that will show your knowledge on content and ethical
practices.

Instructions:
For this project you will be grouped with a partner. You will create a Digital Story
describing the cause of the moon phases. You will also be creating a story
board that will serve as your script. First, you will review the websites and videos I
have provided for you in the Blendspace curation. This curation has three topics
that you will need to review: plagiarism & copyright laws, evaluating website,
and components of Digital Storytelling. Your group will need to review all the information
provided. Just a suggestion, you may want to review slides 1-15, and then do your
research before moving on to Digital Storytelling. I have also provided another
Blendspace curation for your research. Your presentation must be 3-8 minutes long
and cover the causes of the moon phases. Your group must cite any information used within
the presentation. Please review the rubric for the presentation criteria.

Think about these questions as you work on your project

Why are different phases of the moon observed throughout the month?
What causes the phases of the moon?
How does the moon appear to be lit when it does not produce its own
light?
If you were to tell a friend about this event what would you say?
Why is it important to evaluate the source where you found your
information?
How can you gather all your group members information and input
to create a presentation?

Assignment:
1. Use the Phases of the Moon Digital Story curated resources and review
slides 1-9 to learn more about plagiarism and copyright laws. Then review
slides 10-15 to learn more about researching and evaluating websites.
Remember to use these practices when working on your project.
2. Use the Phases of the Moon curated resources to research and
investigate information to identify the causes of the moon phases. Your
group may want to come up with guidelines while researching
information.
3. I have provided three website evaluations under Materials & Resources
tab that you can use to evaluate information. You do not have to use
these documents, however, you must use some sort of evaluation form.
4. After your group has collected all the information, view slides 16-20 from
Phases of the Moon Digital Story to become more familiar with Digital
Storytelling.
5. Create an online storyboard. This is where you will create your script for
the project. Use the information your group gathered to create your
script. There are some examples of software programs for creating online
storyboards on slide 20 from Phases of the Moon Digital Story.
6. Email storyboard to spenn@gocats.org for feedback. While you
are awaiting feedback from me, take this time to evaluate multiple
software programs that are used in Digital Storytelling. As a group, decide
on one program that will be used to create the project.
7. After receiving feedback, make adjustments to storyboards and continue
to work on your project.


Instructions for Padlet: http://padlet.com/mrspenn/phasesofthemoon
Padlet is our online class Bulletin Board. Here is where you will be able to post
useful resources, tips, and questions. Just double-click to create a new post.
After you type your name, please label if it is a resource, tip or question. I think
this will be a useful resource for you as you create your storyboards and project.

Instructions for Blogger: http://mrspennphasesofthemoon.blogspot.com/
I have created a class blog for Phases of the Moon with a post for each
lesson. You can list your thoughts and ideas about what youve discovered
about each lesson under the appropriate post. This will help with answering any
questions and to stay connected as you work on your project.