Lesson- Title/Topic: Class Planetarium/Space

Author(s): Irene Laphen & Marsha Bencher

Introduction: 
    Our  Solar System consists of the Sun and nine planets which are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.  Each planet has its own orbit around the Sun.  Mercury is one of the closest planets to the Sun and one of the smallest while Jupiter is the larges planet and also the fifth planet from the Sun.  So today class we will build our very own Solar System to scale.

Content Area(s) and Grade Level:
    Astronomy/Space       Grades 4-5-6

Standard

4.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes
Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.

4.1.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization.

4.1.3 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of change, constancy, and measurement.

Student demonstrations:

4.2 Science As Inquiry
Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.

4.2.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.

Student demonstrations:

4.3 Physical Science
Physical science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.

4.3.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the characteristics of objects and materials.

Student demonstrations:

4.3.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the position and motion of objects.

Student demonstrations:

Integrated disciplines: Art, Mathematics, Reading,
    Listening Skills and Computer Skills.

   Objectives  
    Students will:
        1. Understand the relationship of the nine planets in our solar system to the               sun by creating a three-dimensional representation.
          2. Understand the planets' relative distance from  the sun and their                   approximate size in relation to the Earth.

     Materials/Technologies  
    Supplies: styrofoam balls of various sizes
                tempra paint
                paint brushes
                fishing line or strong string
                S-clips to suspend models from the ceiling (large paper clips 
                  bent into "L" shapes or strong loops of tape will work also).
                paste
                computers (internet access)
                    clip art
                    URL sites on the solar system
                overhead projector and transparencies.

     Procedures

        Springboard  
                Reading books about the solar system
                     Stars & amp: Planets - David H. Levy
                       The Kingfisher Young People's Book of Space - Martin Redfern
                       Fourth grade Science Textbook
                  Web Links: URL sites of the Solar System
                        Ask the Space Scientist
                            http://image.gsfc.nasa.gov/poetry/ask/askmag.html
                        Amazing Space
                            http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/
                        Astronomy for Kids
                            http://www.frontiernet.net/~kidpower/astronomy.html
                        Welcome to the Planets
                             http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/

            What teacher is to do  

        1.  Using an overhead projector list all the art supplies each student will need to complete the project .
         2. Supply URL sites for the solar system that the students will use on the computer.
         3. Provide each student with a long piece of fishing line or strong string.
         4. Give oral instructions on what and how to do the project on the solar system.
         5. Supervise construction of individual solar systems.
         6. Ask questions concerning size, location and color of each planet.
         7. When project is completed hand each students model of the solar system.
         8. When projects are completed, invite other classes to visit and evaluate the projects.

            What students are to do  
          1. Read and collect information on the Solar System.
         2. Choose correct size of each styrofoam ball to represent each planet.
         3. Paint styrofoam balls or paste a picture obtained from the internet site to transform the styrofoam ball into each planet in the solar system.
         4. Apply fishing line or strong string to each planet made so it maybe hung form the ceiling of the classroom or hallway.
         5. Arrange planets according to location from the sun.
         6. Hand planets to the teacher so she may hang project from the ceiling

     Closure  
         Talk to the students about the importance of clear, concise directions and the importance of good listening skills.  Have the student do a self-evaluation of their project on the solar system.

     Assessment  
    Students will:
        be able to follow oral directions and follow each step to finish their project.
         will be able to name each planet, state the size of the planet, its length of orbit around the sun and finally state the distance each planet is from the sun.
         will be able to explain the following vocabulary words- solar system, axis, satellite and nebula.
         know the following:
            the sun, the center of our solar system, has nine planets orbiting it.
            Earth has one satellite, the moon, revolving around it.
            that the planets look like stars but over time appear to wander among the constellations.
            Mercury is closest to the sun.
            Jupiter is the largest planet had has a spot.
            Saturn has rings made of ice and rock.
            Uranus spins.
            Neptune is blue in color because of methane.
            Pluto is the smallest planet       (just to name of few facts)

    Explanation  

    Helps children to realize the need for good listening skills and also the importance of clear and concise directions.
    Good hands-on-project to incorporate information about our Solar System into a visual three-dimensional art object.
    Integrates mathematical and reading skills as well as computer technology.  Brings art into a visual learning experience about science inparticular our Solar System.

Credits  Discovery School.com http://www.discoveryschool.com
            Jess Kraft - teacher in Farfax County, Virginia.

          Astronomy Lesson Plan - An Ask Eric
            http://askeric.org/Virtual/Lesson/Science/Astronomy/ASTooo2htm

Lesson Topic/Title Treasure Hunt/Our Solar System

Author Irene Laphen

Introduction: Surf's  up!  Grab your brain and head for the farthest reaches of cyperspace.  There's a lot to learn in this information age.  Using the Web allows you to discover tons more than you may have ever known possible.  You are to develop a list of questions about the Solar System.  You must also know the answers.  If you are very creative you may develop a "Big Question" that requires some extra hard thinking to answer.

Content Area(s) and Grade Level  
    Science/Solar System      Grades 4-5-6

Standard  

4.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes
Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.

4.1.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization.

Student demonstrations:

4.1.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation

4.2 Science As Inquiry
Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.

4.2.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.

4.3.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the characteristics of objects and materials.

Student demonstrations:

4.3.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the position and motion of objects.

      Integrated disciplines 

        Computer Technology & Language Arts

   Objectives  
    Students will:

            1. Strengthen their knowledge of the solar system.
           2. Practice working cooperatively in groups.
           3. Form well thought out questions, using proper grammar and spelling

     Materials/Technologies  
      1. Solar System notes and handout.
         2. Paper and pens.
         3. Nerf ball and basket.
         4.Clock or watch with a second hand to tell seconds.
         5. Computer - "Power Point" software and URL sites.
         6. Overhead Projector and transparencies.

     Procedures

        Springboard   Review of what the children know already about our solar system.  Have the children look at their notes, go into the web to gather more information.  Students will also look at the  teacher's animated "Power Point"
presentation on the solar system as a review.
   

           What teacher is to do  

                Show the students by Power Point or by Front Page software an example of what you are asking them to do.
                1. Divide the class into groups of six.
                 2. Supply the computers and software for the groups.
                 3. Supply the nerf ball and basket.
                 4. Supply the overhead projector and transparencies to keep score.
                 5. Supply URL web sites the children will use for this game.

            What students are to do  

                1. Within each group, students will choose a "spokes-person" and
                    a "shooter".
                 2. Work together to come up with good questions to ask their
                     fellow srudents.
                   3. Students will use Power Point to type their questions.
                 4. Students will use good spelling and correct grammar.

     Closure  

        Students will have a wider scope of information on the solar system as a result of playing this game. The students will see learning can be fun and that the teacher doesn't always have to impart knowledge to the class to learn.

     Assessment  

        Ask the students if their questions were well thought out?  If they  had developed questions that were too easy or too hard?

        Evaluate the sentences for correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
       Evaluate for correct usage of the software "power Point"

    Explanation  

        This is a fun game which incorporates cooperative learning, computer skills, science facts and Language Art skills.

        Can be developed into other games such as: "Jeopardy" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire".

    Credits  Based on the following lesson plans;
                Lesson plan#AELP -SPA022 by

                  Jane Whaling, St,. Michael, A  

   Lesson Topic/Title    "My Favorite Planet"

Author    Irene Laphen & Marsha Benker

Introduction:
    Students will choose a planet and write a story about that planet.  They will use Microsoft "Word" software to writ their story.  They will also incorporate graphics that can be either hand-drawn or inserted from "clip-art" from sources on the internet.  Internet sites will be supplied by the teacher.

Content Area(s) and Grade Level  
         Language Arts      Grades 4,5,6

Standard

4.2.1 By the end of the fourth grade, students will identify, describe, and apply knowledge of the structure of the English language and standard English conventions for sentence structure, usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
4.2.3 By the end of the fourth grade, students will demonstrate improvement in organization, content, word choice (vocabulary), voice, sentence fluency and standard English conventions after revising and editing their compositions  
4.2.4 By the end of the fourth grade, students will use a variety of forms to write for different audiences and purposes.

Integrated disciplines  
    Writing Skills  (spelling, grammar & formate)
     Literary Skills
     Computer Skills
     Reading

   Objective 
      - Students will complete a story map  by identifying the main ideas and
           supporting details of the story as well as the plot, characters  and
            setting in the story.

        - Students will develop a plan for writing, using a variety of strategies to
           generate and organize ideas.

        - Students will write well organize stories with a beginning, middle and
          end.

        - Students will revise their writing to improve clarity.

        - Students will use correct spelling, punctuation, paragraph indentation
           nouns, verbs and pronouns while editing their story.

        - Students will give an oral presentation using good eye contact, proper
           pace, volume and very clear enunciation.

        - Students will have their stories spiral bound for all to enjoy.

     Materials/Technologies  
    Floppy disk
       Computer Paper
       Crayons or color marker
       Computer ink (black and colored)
       Research Material
       Computers & computer software (Word, Inspiration & Print Shop)
            Computer Skills : copy/paste
                                       correct font size
                                       choice of font size
                                       saving procedures
                                            printing procedures. 

     Procedures

        Springboard Review important facts on  the planets.
                                       Review steps to writing a story.
                                       Explain any vocabulary words students are having
                                       difficulty with.
                                       Review time lines (start to finish)

            What teacher is to do  
        - Demonstrate the proper use of a "Thesarus".
         - Demonstrate how to use the computer software - such as word, Power 
           Power Point, Inspiration and Print Shop.
         - Review the steps in writing a story.  Finally emphasize the need for
           clear ideas, correct spelling and proper grammar.
         - Work with students if necessary to complete their story map (include
           theme, setting, characters, action/conflicts and resolutions).
         - Encourage students to run spell-check before printing their revised
           final copy.

            What students are to do  
         - Demonstrate knowledge about story maps.
        - Demonstrate knowledge about writing a story ( have good beginning
          continuity, plots and resolution/ending).
        - Demonstrate writing skills and typing skills (font size, spacing, margins
          headers, paragraph indentation).
        - Demonstrate the need for outlining, rough draft, editing, revising and
           final draft 

     Closure  
         The students will publish and have their books spiral bound, then they will present them to the class or another class in oral presentation form.

     Assessment  
      Students followed correct procedure for writing a story by having a plot, character and setting.  They also wrote well organized stories with a beginning, middle and ending.  Students revised their stories to improve flow and clarity.  They also used correct capitalization, punctuation, spelling, paragraph indentation, nouns, verbs and pronouns while editing.  Students gave oral presentations using eye contact, good pace, volume and proper enunciation.  The students were graded on the overall process.

    Explanation  
      Students were given this project to continue to improve their writing skills as well as to sharpen their communication skills.  This project was not meant to produce a "perfect story", but to build on skills already learned, as well as expand their knowledge on space particularly  our solar system.

   Credits:  Based on a lesson plan done by Kristie Korth "A Tail to Tell"
                            http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/gen_act pigs/oink2.htm

Lesson Topic/Title  The Solar System - Web Quest

Author Irene Laphen & Marsha Bencker

Introduction:  
    The solar system has captivated mankind's imagination for centuries,  The order of the planets and how they stay in their own orbit around the sun is a scientific phenomenon.  Over the centuries there have been many myths concerning the solar system.  Some civilizations worshiped the sun and moon. We are going to do an activity that will help you find information about the sun, planets, moon and the universe.

Content Area(s) and Grade Level  
            Science & Astronomy      Grades 4-5-6

Standard

4.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes
Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.

4.1.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization

4.1.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.

4.1.3 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of change, constancy, and measurement.

4.2 Science As Inquiry
Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.

4.2.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.

Student demonstrations:

Integrated disciplines  
            Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, 
              Computer Skills, Art and Writing Skills.

   Objectives

        1. Work cooperatively or independently to produce a project.
         2. Explore Astronomy.
         3. Students will be able to give clear directions to each other

     Materials/Technologies  
    The classroom will need:
            -Images of the surface of each planet.
            -Research materials.
            -Art materials:   Styrofoam balls of various sizes
                                            paper, pencils and pens
                                            markers (colored)
                                            books on the planets
                                                        "Planets"
                                                        "Earth, Moon and Stars"
                                                        "NASA"     (just to name a few-list will be supplied)

               -Computer & computer software
                            (Power Point, Word, Inspiration and Front Page).

     Procedures

        Springboard    
                     Class review on facts concerning the solar system, constellations, comets and meteors.  There will also be flashes of pictures of the planets, and various surface terrains.  Teacher will  allow children to share any facts they may know about our solar system

                       The teacher will then inform  the students they will pretend they are members of an international scientific team in charge of establishing the first planetary colony on a planet in our solar system.  Your team must analyze the different planets and decide which planet to colonize.  Reasons must be given for why your team chose a particular planet and why they did not choose one of the other planets.
                    At the completion of this assignment each team will also need to:
                        1. Identify all the planets from their pictures
                        2. Give general physical characteristics of the planets they
                            researched.
                        3. Know the distance of each planet from the sun.
                        4. Know how long it takes for each planet to revolve around
                            the sun.
                        5. Know how many moons each planet may have.
                        6. Know what planet is the closest in similarities to the Earth.
                        7. Know if there are any interesting myths or legends from
                            ancient times about any of the planets or sun.
                        8. Know what are the "outer" and "inner" planets.
                        9. In an original way have one member of your team present
                            your project.  Ex. posters, computer graphics, graph
                            exhibits etc.                

            What teacher is to do  

            -Divide the class into groups of four.
             -Use wise guidance.
             -Use good judgement - allow students to do their own projects.
             -Give positive comments.
             -Pay close attention to each groups' discussions, encourage critical
              thinking skills.
            -Allow children to choose their three planets, but discourage duplication 
              within the other teams, this allows all the planets to be explored.
           -Give each child an assignment -Captain/Commander, Engineer
              Historian and Environmental Specialist
                    (explain what each of these jobs must do).
           -Give web sites to the students that they are to use.

             http://www.planetscapes.com/solar/eng/moon.htm
               http://www.fronteirnet./~kidpower.astronomy.html
               http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/sol.html
               http://www.whitmtns.com/~astro/html/pluto.html
               http://cfpa.berkeley.edu/Bttfag.html#q11
               http://school.discovery.com/schooladventures/universal/stargazers/index.htm

            What students are to do  
           -Students will:
                -select sites of three planets that are most beneficial for exploration
                -be able to justify their choice of planets
                -plan their trips taking into account length of time needed to reach
                 each planet, consider the health and safety of each crew member
                 especially mental health, conditions for safe landing sites.  Also the 
                 equipment that will be needed to explore the surface of each planet
               -supplies needed for nourishment and hydration
               -be able to tell the history of each planet
               -find creative ways to present a presentation on your teams project.

     Closure  
        When the assignment is complete each group will have a better understanding of the importance of the role they played in learning about our solar system.  What will be necessay for space travel, but most important what man will need to establish and survive on a planet other than Earth.

     Assessment  

        -Ask each team if they felt all their members followed directions and did
         their part concerning research and composing an eye catching project.
        -Ask oneself (teacher) if the students kept on task and were doing what
         they were assigned to do.
        -Ask the students if their pictures and graphs resemble the planets they
         chose.
        -Were the students willing to compromise their ideas, were they willing
          to ideas of their teammates.

    Explanation  

        Work will be graded individually on the following areas:
                a. students will be graded on how through and in depth their 
                    answers to the questions were
                b. organizational skills
                c. each students participation
                d. originality on their papers
                e. final presentations given by the groups.

        Grading Scale:

            1- Improvement Needed - paper shows very limited information or
                        organization.  No originality in the presentation.
           2- Good - Paper shows good information with good organization and
                        originality.

           3- Excellent - Paper shows excellent information with well thought out
                        answers to questions, organization and originality.

    Credits;

        Clip Art: http://www.kidsdomain.com/icon/space.html

        Assignment Ideas: Book - "The Magic School Bus-Lost in Space"
                                    Movies - Mission to Mars
                                                The Red Planet
                                    Lesson Plan - Jason Hovey - Planetary Web Quest
                           http://students.itec.sfsu.edu/edt628/hovey/index.html

Merryellen Towey Schulz, Ph.D.     College of Saint Mary          Spring, 2001