Space Adventures Lesson Plan

By: Samantha Lynch



Space Adventure

 Unit Topic or Theme: Science

Grade: 4

 Lesson Topic: The Solar System

 Lesson Objectives: The student will be able to

  • Identify the nine planets and their characteristics
  • Correctly pair the planets with their descriptions
  • Choose a planet or any astronomical object (i.e. moon, asteroid, comet, star) and create a 3-D model of the object along with a report of their objects characteristics

 Instructional Technique: This lesson involves individual work while the students complete the online activity and then take the solar system quiz on paper. Then the student will work individually to construct a 3-dimentional model of any planet or object of their choosing along with a report about that object. Then their finished projects will be on display in the classroom where they will have to give a brief summary about their planet/object.

Instructional Materials:

  • Online activity
  • Solar system quiz
  • Rubric for solar system project

Theoretical Perspective: This lesson would be used as a cumulative lesson at the end of an astronomy unit. It would assess the students’ understanding of the solar system and its components. This will be useful for them as they move on to more in depth science classes in middle and high school.

 Procedure: (3-4 class periods to complete)

  • Introductory activity: Before students complete this lesson they would have had class time already devoted to astronomy lessons. They would already have learned about all nine planets and their characteristics through class lectures and small activities.
  • Step by step
    • The students will start by individually navigating their way through the Space Adventures online game.
    • If they get a question wrong, or need more than one try to get the correct answer, they should be instructed to pause and take a look at the additional resource that corresponds with that question.
    • After all of the students have completed the activity and had a chance to look at the optional links, they will be asked to choose one planet or object to create a more in depth report. (Students can choose planets and objects that were not a part of the online game.)
    • The students will create a 3-D model of their planet or object. They will also write a report about the planet/object according to the Solar System Project rubric.
    • The students will complete these projects at home and bring them into class. In class they will introduce their planet/object and a few interesting facts about it. Students will then get the chance to look around the room at the other projects.
  • Closure: The students will be given a Solar System quiz to show how much they have truly retained about the planets and their characteristics, along with other objects that can be found in space
  • Adaptations: Students can work in pairs depending on the availability of computers and their ability in the subject. If it is a large class, students can also work in pairs on the space project but time will need to be given in class for the preparation of the project.
  • Homework: The homework in this lesson would be to complete the Solar System Project, and to study for the quiz.

 Evaluation:

  • Students’ knowledge of the nine planets and their characteristics will be evaluated by observing them while they complete the online activity and seeing how long the activity takes/ how many times they have to retry a question. Their knowledge of the subject will also be evaluated by a grade given on the Solar System Quiz. They will also be evaluated on the quality of their 3-D model and the accuracy of the information in their report.
  • Concerns: This lesson is dependent on the size of the class and the availability of resources. However, it can be adapted with students working in pairs for some sections, and time being given in class to work on the projects. The lesson also depends on technology which can sometimes not function properly.



Solar System Project

            Now that you have learned about all of the planets and other objects in our solar system it is your turn to choose the part that you found the most interesting and create a 3-D model of it. You will choose your favorite planet or object and make an accurate model of it. It can be made like a diorama in a box, in which case a shoebox would be a good size. Or, you can make a free-standing model. Along with this model I would like you to write a one-page report about the object or planet that you chose. In your report you should describe the object and its important characteristics. Please be careful when choosing your sources! Accuracy will be a factor into your grade on the project. Be creative and have fun!


 

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Score

3-D Model: Visual

The model is sloppy, missing parts, and not visually appealing.

The model may be missing some parts and is not neat.

The model is visually appealing and all necessary parts are included.

 

3-D Model: Accuracy

The model is not accurate in 3 or more elements of accuracy that would earn the highest grade.

The model is good but may be missing 1 or 2 elements of accuracy that would earn a better grade.

The color, texture, relative size, and overall appearance of the model are accurate.

 

Report: Accuracy

The report has inaccurate information and no depth of thought.

The report contains accurate information but doesn’t go into enough depth.

The report contains accurate and important information about the object.

 

Report: Mechanics

Frequent grammar errors.

Only 1 or 2 grammar errors.

All grammar and spelling are correct.

 

Timeliness

Report and model are a day or more late.

Report and/or model are on time.

Report and model are complete and in class on the day of presentations.

 

 

Total:

 


Solar System Quiz

1. Which is the largest planet?

      A. Neptune

      B. Saturn

      C. Jupiter

 
2. What is the Sun made out of?

      A. Soil

      B. Volcanoes

      C. Gases

 
3. What planet comes after Venus?

      A. Mars

      B. Earth

      C. Mercury

 
4. Which planet has the most moons?

      A. Saturn

      B. Uranus

      C. Jupiter

 
5. Which two planets have no moons?

      A. Mercury and Venus

      B. Mars and Pluto

      C. Neptune and Uranus

 

6. What makes the planet Mars look like it is red?

      A. The rain and clouds

      B. Fire from volcanoes

      C. The iron in the soil

 
7. Which planet is Earth’s nearest neighbor in space?

      A. Mercury

      B. Mars

      C. Venus


8. What are the rings of Saturn made from?

      A. Gases and clouds

      B. Large pieces of ice and rock

      C. Wind and storms

(http://www.siec.k12.in.us/west/proj/space/quiz.htm)

List the nine planets in order starting with the one that is closest to the Sun.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.