Planets in Our Solar System

Author: Lynne Fujitani  11/14/2002 07:43:00 PM PST		 TaskStream - Advancing Educational Excellence

VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
Elementary, Mathematics, Reading, Science
 
Topic or Unit of Study:
The Solar System
 
Grade/Level:
3-4
 
Objective:
Students will know that nine planets, their moons and many asteroids and comets revolve around the sun.
 
Summary:
Students will work cooperatively to study a planet in the solar system, gather and report information, apply addition, subtraction and rounding math skills, and create a model.
 
IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Context:
This is one lesson in a 3rd grade Earth Science unit. It teaches that the Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun.
 
Procedure:
A) Students will work in groups of 3 to complete a Planet WebQuest, where they will create a mission patch, collect data via the internet, report on a cyber postcard, and complete a self-evaluation.
B) Students will print and complete 2 math worksheets, one applying addition and subtraction in word problems, and one applying rounding also in word problems.
C) Students will create a model of the solar system using a pizza box and string.
D) Students with extra time are able to print word searches, missing vowel worksheet, play Tic Tac Toe answering planet questions and visit Morrison Planetarium site that tells which planets are visible in the sky, where and when.
 
Sample Student Products:  
 
Collaboration:
Students will work collaboratively & individually. Students will work in groups of 3.
 
Time Allotment:
9 class periods. 45 Min. per class.
 
Author's Comments & Reflections:  
 
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
Instructional Materials:
Links
  1. Planets in Our Solar System Webquest You are about to embark on a learning journey where you will collect and utilize information about our solar system.
 
Resources:
  • Materials and resources:
    computers with internet access, printer, paper, pencils, cardboard pizza boxes, string, colored pens, scissors, tape.
  • Technology resources:
    Internet Explorer
  • The number of computers required is 1 per student.
  • Students Familiarity with Software Tool:
    students must be familiar with navigating the internet,
 
STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT
Standards:
CA- California K-12 Academic Content Standards
• Subject : Science
• Grade : Grade Three
• Area : Earth Sciences
• Sub-Strand 4: Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns. As a basis for understanding this concept:
 Standard d: Students know that Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth.
 
Assessment Plan:
There is a rubric built into the Planet WebQuest. The Math word problems will be turned into the teacher and graded. The Solar System model has a rubric attached.
 
Assessment/Rubrics:
Links
  1. Webquest Evaluation Rubric This is the rubric that is built into the Planet WebQuest.