Free 3rd Grade Day And Night Lesson Plan (Environmental)

Topic: Day and Night

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain what causes day and night, and describe activities people typically do during each period of time.

Materials

• Pencils and paper for each student
• Drawing materials (e.g. crayons, markers, colored pencils)
• Copies of the text extract "Why there is Day and Night" (provided below)

Topic: Day and Night

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain what causes day and night, and describe activities people typically do during each period of time.
• Materials
• Pencils and paper for each student
• Drawing materials (e.g. crayons, markers, colored pencils)
• Copies of the text extract "Why there is Day and Night" (provided below)

Direct Instruction

• Begin by showing the students a picture of the sun and the moon. Ask them what they notice about the two images.
• Explain that the sun is the source of light and heat for the Earth, and that it is the reason why we have day.
• The moon is also a source of light, but it is not as bright as the sun. It is also responsible for the cycle of the tides, which is why there are also different levels of high and low tide every day.
• Ask the students if they know any other names for day and night. Write their answers on the board.
• Read the text extract to the students, pausing after each paragraph to ask questions and encourage discussion.
• Explain that there are different things that people do during each period of time. For example, some people like to go out and play during the day, while others prefer to stay inside and sleep at night.

Guided Practice

• Divide the students into small groups, and give each group a set of pictures of daytime and nighttime activities.
• Have the students look at the pictures and think about what they usually do during each period of time.
• Have each group share their thoughts with the rest of the class, and write down some of the responses on the board.
• Ask the students if they can think of any reasons why people might choose to do the things they do during the day or at night.
• Provide some examples, such as "People like to go outside and play during the day because it is warmer and brighter outside," or "People like to stay inside and sleep at night because it is darker and cooler inside."
• Have the students think about their own routines during the day and at night, and ask them if they have any ideas as to why they choose to do the things they do.
• Have the students share their thoughts with the class, and write down some of the responses on the board.

Independent Practice

• Have the students work on a project-based independent practice activity.
• Have the students research a particular daytime activity, such as playing outside or going to the beach.
• Have the students create a poster or presentation about the activity, including information about when and why people do it.
• Have the students present their posters or presentations to the class.

Closure

• Review the concepts and terms learned in the lesson, such as day, night, sunrise, sunset, and dawn.
• Ask the students to share their favorite part of the lesson and why.
• Remind the students that they can always learn more about day and night by asking questions and doing -research.

Assessment

• Observe the students during the independent practice activity to see if they are able to ask questions and do research about day and night.
• Review the students' presentations or written reports from their independent practice activity to assess their understanding of the concept of day and night.
• Have the students complete a quiz or written assignment to test their knowledge of the terms and concepts learned in the lesson.