Context

During the Spring semester of 2006 at Appalachian State University, I created a moon journal for Jeff Goodman's Science class. During this class time, we also took a field trip to the Watauga County Landfill. In my  moon journal, I had to watch the moon for one week and record it's position in the sky and it's shape. Then we had a discussion in class about the moon and it's position with the sun and earth.
When we visited the Landfill, our class got to see all the trash that Watauga County collects and how many people do not take the time to recycle. I had to answer questions about how this affects the environment and how we, as citizens, can help to change the amount of trash that is deposited into the Earth.

Impact

Both a moon journal and a trip to a landfill are two activities that I will use as a teacher. These activities would be most appropriate for third through fifth grade. I had never noticed how the moon changes positions from night to night. You can notice a gradual change, but if you put the time into really observing it is amazing. It would be great for students to have this as an extra credit assignment.
I also really think that students should be taken to a landfill. A great time to take them would be around Earth Day after learning about the significance of this day. It would make students more aware of what they throw away and what they take the time to recycle.

Alignment

I have met Standard 3, Indicator 3 by having basic knowledge of planetary astronomy and understanding the affects of pollution and how it affects our Earth.