Free 3rd Grade Telescope Lesson Plan (Science)

Topic: Fun With Telescopes

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to understand how a telescope works and what it is used for.

Materials

• Telescope
• Props to illustrate various concepts (such as a paper clip and a pencil for illustrating the concept of magnification)
• Handouts with questions for the students to answer about the telescope

Warm-up

• Ask the students if they have ever seen a telescope before. Ask them what it is used for.
• Show the students a few different props and ask them to explain how these objects can be used to illustrate the concept of magnification.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the term "telescope" and explain that it is a device that uses lenses and refraction to increase the magnification of an object.
• Demonstrate how to use a telescope by looking at an object far away through the eyepiece and then adjusting the lens to see a closer, magnified version of the object.
• Explain that there are different types of telescopes, such as those that are for viewing only and those that are for collecting data, such as for astronomy.

Guided Practice:

• Have students work in pairs, with one student using the telescope while the other helps to adjust the lens and views the object.
• Have the students look at a close object such as a tree or building and have them adjust the lens to view a magnified version of the object.
• Have the students explain what they see through the telescope and how the lens is magnifying the object.

Independent Practice:

• Have students choose a distant object such as a star or planet to view through the telescope.
• Have students adjust the lens to find the object and view it through the telescope.
• Have students write a paragraph describing what they see through the telescope and explaining how the lens is magnifying the object.

Closure:

• Have students share their paragraphs with the class.
• Review the process of using a telescope to view distant objects.
• Ask students to share any questions they have about using a telescope.

Assessment:

• Observe students during the class activity and give feedback on their understanding of the process of using a telescope.
• Have students turn in their paragraphs as a formal assessment of their understanding of the process of using a telescope.