THEME : The Solar System

BROAD CONCEPT:Traveling through space

GRADES:5

INTEGRATED SUBJECTS:math, english/language arts, social studies, science, art, computers

UNIT GOALS AND PURPOSE:Through this unit students will learn about the features of our solar system.  As they do this students will learn how to graph and read data, use a digital camera, create a scaled model, search on the web, prepare a budget, use Kid Pix Studio, and create a grid map.  They will  also realize that there's more to our solar system than just Earth.  Students will be adding daily activities/ assignments to their portfolio, and will present their work to the class at the end of the unit.  Many of the activities show a final product that can be displayed in class.  Some of the activities will be graded as group work and some individually.
 
 

TIME FRAME: 12

OBJECTIVES:

In this lesson, students will:
                            * read data on graphs/charts
                            * collect data from the web to create graphs
                            * construct a scale model of the solar system
                            * identify the characteristics of the planets
                            * create a budget for necessary trip supplies
                            * organize their journals on the computer
                            * explain their travel findings through an oral presentation
                            *demonstrate the ability to create a new alphabet and number system
                            *construct a model of a planet
MATERIALS:

• General materials and equipment rulers, compass, grid paper, calculators, graph examples, drawing paper, solar system pictures/posters, butcher paper, various sizes and colors of construction paper, The Planets, by Gustav Holst, Bill Nye the Science Guy on Planets, and books listed below.

• Technology tools computer, digital camera, printer, VCR, and CD player

• Software Used in this Unit (Include the type and the title of the software.)

 3A2 Write paragraghs that include a variety of sentence types; appropriate use of the eight
          parts of speech; and accurate spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

3C2b Produce and format compositions for specified audiences using available technology.

4B2a Present oral reports to an audience using correct language and nonverbal expressions
           for the intended purpose and message within a suggested organizational format.

5B2a Determine the accuracy, currency and reliability of materials from various sources.

5C2a Create a variety of print and nonprint documents to communicate acquired
           information for specific audiences and purposes.

5C2b Prepare and deliver oral presentations based on inquiry or research.

6A2 Compare and order whole numbers, fractions, and decimals using concrete materials,
         drawings and mathematical symbols.

6C2a Select and perform computational procedures to solve problems and whole numbers,
           fractions and decimals.

6C2b Show evidence that computational results using whole numbers, fractions and decimals
           are correct and/or that estimates are reasonable.

7A2a Calculate, compare and convert length, perimeter, area, weight/mass and volume within
           the customary and metric system.

7C2a Describe relationships in a simple scale drawing.

9A2a Build physical models of two-and-three-dimensional shapes.

10A2a Organize and display data using pictures, tallies, tables, charts, bar graphs, line graphs,
             line plots and stem and leaf graphs.

10B2d Interpret results or make relevant decisions based on data gathered.

11A2b Construct charts and visualizations to display data.

12F Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe
        and Earth's place in it.

17A2b Use maps and other geographic representations and instruments to gather
             information about people, places, and environments.
N.C.T.M. STANDARDS ADDRESSED BY THIS UNIT:
Numbers and Operations
* understand  numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and the number systems
* understand meanings of operations and how they relate to one another

Measurement
* understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and process of measurement
* apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements

Data Analysis and Probability
* formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them

Communication
* organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication
* use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely

Connections
* recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics

Representations
* create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas

STUDENT ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL PROMOTE ENGAGED LEARNING:
Lesson 1
As an introduction to the unit, The Planets, by Gustav Holst will be played while also listening to the book, Voyager: An Adventure to the Edge of the Solar System, by Sally Ride and Tam O'Shaughnessy.  The class will begin an I Wonder chart to be posted in the room.  We will also begin to collect various space data from nespapers, pictures, magazines, etc. to be posted alongside the I Wonder Chart.  Students will be introduced to the idea of them becoming astronauts and traveling through space, along with two of their peers.  They will choose their destinations after completing some research.

Lesson2
In this lesson students will use data collected from the web to create a bar graph.

This lesson will begin with taking a close look at a diagram of the solar system.  Our focus will be on the number of planets and their distances from Earth.  Students will then search on the web site Welcome to the Planets to find the distances of each planet from Earth and record the information on a given sheet.  They will then take that information to create a bar graph on Excel.  This will help them decide on which planet to travel to.

Lesson 3
By working in groups of three students will create a model of our solar system.

Students will begin their project by viewing pictures of the solar system.  They will then research the AUs (astronomical units) for each planet to help determine their distances from each other.  10 cm. will equal 1 Au.  Earth should be placed on the paper first at 10 cm from the sun (label each planet).  Students will also choose the correct color of paper to use for each planet.  They can research this on the web sites Views of the Solar System and The Nine Planets (address below), pictures on class wall, and planet books in room.  These models can be displayed in class/hall to view.

Lesson 4
Students will research the planets to help determine their destinations.

In the computer lab students will continue to work in their groups of three (27 students).  They will choose one planet to research on the web (each group has a different planet). The planet they choose doesn't have to be their destination. Students can use Encarta, and web sites listed below.  Each group will be given a data sheet to investigate each planet's size (mi. around), temperature, atmosphere, number of moons, craters, length of year (compared to Earth), length of day (compared to Earth), rings, mountains and or volcanoes.  Each group will then be assigned one characteristic to graph for all of the planets.  The group will determine the best type of graph to use from the type of information they are to record.  Cruncher will be available in the lab.  These charts will then be displayed in class.  Each group will also present their finding to the class on their planet to help students decide on a destination.

Lesson 5
Students will identify data to answer I Wonder chart.

 The class will review past activities and information found.  We will then watch Bill Nye the Science Guy on The Solar System.  Following the video the class will review the I Wonder chart and try to answer their own questions.

Lesson 6
Students will choose a specific planet as their destination and prepare a budget for items to bring on the trip.

Each group will choose a planet to visit.  To prepare for their trip the group must make a list of supplies to bring with them such as food, cameras, books, etc.  The spacecraft and maintenance of the craft are already payed for.  Each group will be allowed to spend $500 for their week of travel.  A budget and list of expenses must be typed up on Word.  All the prices must be justified by prices on-line, magazines, grocery advertisements, etc.

Lesson 7
Students will record their findings in a journal.
Students will create a model of their planet.

Students will begin their five day adventure in space and begin to write a day-by-day jounal.  They will eventually print and save their journals on Kid Pix Studio.  Each member will create a model of what their planet looks like by using an assortment of art supplies.

Lesson 8
Students will create a new alphabet and number system.

Activity: Upon arrival of their destination students will be greeted by other living beings.  In order to communicate with them students need to learn their alphabet and number system.  Students will then create an alphabet and number system using symbols, letters, numbers, etc. on Kid Pix Studio.

Lesson 9
Students will create a grid map.
Students will operate a digital camera.

When the students arrive their new friends take them to their city.  They are given a map of the city to help guide them.

Students need to create a grid map of the city including various features that were researched previously (crater, mountains, volcanoes, etc.).  The grid should go from A to F and 1 to 6.  Students can refer to the classes research, use the internet, and read books to help them.  Students also take a picture of their new friend.  To complete this activity each group must bring or make costumes for a classmate to wear in order to portray the new friend.  The group will use a digital camera to take a picture.

Lesson 10
Students will create an image of Earth.

As students return home they will see Earth.  Students will then draw and color Earth including land, water, and the atmosphere.  Using Word students will write a description of Earth including at least five characteristics.  The information from past research can be used or they can research new information from the web, encyclopedias, etc.

Lesson 11
Students will publish their journals.

Students will publish and illistrate their journals on Kid Pix Studio.  They should include the important events that happened each day.

Lesson 12
Students will orally present and listen to presentations.

As a final activity groups will orally present their trip overall.  They will explain their budget, show the model of the planet they visited, the new alphabet and number system, grid map of city, picture of Earth, and display their Kid Pix Studio on their journals.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS:
Throughout the unit students are working in groups searching for answers.  In lesson four the entire class must work together and share information with one another in order to complete their graphs.  At the end of the unit each group will present their research and findings from their trip.  The presentation includes a budget, description of the planet, an explanation of their new alphabet and number system, describing Earth, and displaying their journal entries on Kid Pix Studio.

Rubric

These projects/assignments will be placed in the student's folder to be presented at the end of the unit.  Some of the assignments are graded individually and some by group.  If there is an * next to the assignment it is graded with the group. The rubric will be inside of the folder and each assignment will be graded as it's turned in.

Grading

A = 250-226
B =225-201
C =200-176
D =175-150
F =149 or below

Bar Graph on Distances
all of the planets are presented                  10
the numbers are accurate on the graph      15

* Model of the Solar System
distances between each planet and the sun are accurate         20
correct colors are chosen for each planet                              10
labels and planets are in the appropriate location                   10

* Planet Researches
data sheet on characteristics            10
graph on specific characteristics      10
presentation on one planet              10

*Budget
group stayed within and around $500                 10
basic necessaties were bought (food, bandaids)   10

Journal
spelling and punctuation                         10
a descriptive recording for each day       15
Kid Pix Studio presentation                    10

Model of planet
characteristics are accurate       10
completed                                10

Creating Alphabet and Number System   10

Grid Map
features represent planet's characteristics      10
various locations included                             5

Photograph of New Friend
using a digital camera properly to develope picture      5
costume                                                                     5

Picture of Earth
accurate land and water features        5
including an atmosphere                     5
colored appropriately                        5

*Presentation
explain their purchases                              5
describe their planet's appearance             5
explain the alphabet and number system     5
explain the city map                                   5
describe the locations on Earth                  5
properly displaying Kid Pix Studio            5
 
 

STUDENT AND TEACHER ROLES: The teacher will fascilitate the class by working with each group as they plan their trip.  They will suggest needed supplies, remind the students of their surroundings in space, and make sure the group has included all the necessary information.  The teacher will guide by showing past examples of solar system models, Kid Pix presentations, and allowing them many choices with their destination and purchasing.  The teacher will be open to new information and discoveries about the solar system from students.

Students will be exploring and researching planet features by utilizing all the available tools.  Students will be working in groups to complete the majority of the unit's work.  They will be encouraged to help one another throughout the activities.  Students will also be creating models and pictures that interest them.
 
 

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE PRINT RESOURCES STUDENTS MAY USE :

World Book Encyclopedia, newspapers, student textbooks, magazines (Time, Weekly Reader)

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOPIC:

Voyager: An Adventure to the Edge of the Solar System by Sally Ride and Tam O'Shaughnessy
Galileo and the Universe by Steven Parker
Could You Ever Meet an Alien by David Darling
 

FOR ADDITIONAL ONLINE INFORMATION AND MEDIA PERTAINING TO THIS UNIT, TEACHERS MAY WANT TO USE THE FOLLOWING INTERNET ARTICLES:  (minimum 6 sites)