Solar System Word Search

Author: Brian Briggs  11/10/2002 07:54:00 PM PST		 TaskStream - Advancing Educational Excellence

VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
Science
 
Topic or Unit of Study:
Earth Science
 
Grade/Level:
3
 
Objective:
The students will review their learning of moon phases, planet names and planet order as they brainstorm words to use in their word search. They will also be practicing the correct spelling of the vocabulary words.
 
Summary:
The students will create a word search puzzle using words relating to the Solar System Unit. The http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/ web site will enable each student to create and print their own puzzle. Brainstorming of words and checking of spelling will be done in class and approved by the teacher before each student proceeds.
 
IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Context:
This is a vocabulary lesson reviewing the words introduced during the earth science unit.

Student Prerequisites:

Students will know the moon phases and the order of the planets, including some of their most important characteristics, before attempting this culminating activity.

Helpful preparation before the lesson:

After completing the unit on the Solar System, I would need to model the use of puzzlemaker.com for the students. This can be done in the computer lab using the projection system.
 
Procedure:
1. Teach the Solar System Unit from state adopted text, including the names and order of planets, and the names of moon phases.

2. Students brainstorm with their teams, (heterogeneous teams, changed monthly), a list of words pertaining to the Solar System Unit, to be used in a word search.

3. Students edit their list for spelling and have it approved by the teacher.

4. During computer lab, the students go to the web link puzzlemaker.com and create a word search using the Solar System words. Word searches will be exchanged and solved by fellow classmates.
Links
  1. Puzzlemaker Students can make a word search (as well as other types of puzzles) at this site.
 
Sample Student Products:
Attachments
  1. Word Search
 
Collaboration:
Students will work collaboratively. Students will work in groups of 2.
 
Time Allotment:
2 class periods. 45 Min. per class.
 
Author's Comments & Reflections:  
 
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
Instructional Materials:  
 
Resources:  
 
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 b: Students know the way in which the Moon’s appearance changes during the four-week lunar cycle.
 Standard d: Students know that Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth.
 
Assessment Plan:
Assessment will be by teacher observation of team discussions during the brainstorming phase of words for the word search. Teams will produce their list of potential words, followed by the meaning, either in words or pictures. A list of all words brainstormed by the class will be listed on a chart by the teacher. Students may choose 12 to 14 words from the list of potential words to be placed into the word search. After each student has generated their personal list of words from the chart, the teacher will check them for accuracy.
 
Assessment/Rubrics: