A study on How to Teach "Waxing and Waning of the Moon" aimed at the Differences between Shadow and Shade : A Teaching at the Fourth Grade Class

Abstract

Many elementary school students have difficulties in understanding the "Waxing and Waning of the Moon" phenomena. In this research, we planned and taught a science class on the "Waxing and Waning of the Moon" phenomena aimed at "How Shadow Is Made." We introduced to the science class a closely related continuative observation activities and the differences between Shadow and Shade. As a result, we clarified the following three points: (1) A lesson of "Moon and Stars" aimed at the differences between Shadow and Shade is effective in the formation of true understanding about a phenomena of waxing and waning of the moon. (2) Many students, who can tell the differences between "Shadow" and "Shade" and understand the hemispherical "shade," are showing a tendency to have a true understanding about a phenomena of Waxing and Waning of the Moon. (3) There is a high correlation of an understanding between "lights and shade," and "Waxing and Waning of the Moon."