Introduction
Given access to internet and textbook, and through discussion, the learner will be able to label and identify the planets in our solar system and other objects in the Milky Way galaxy. Then using online game learners will create their own working solar system.
Describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;
Understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system; and
Describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.
Task
Using the online simulator/creator the student will create our solar system by placing planets at correct proportions from the sun and then running simulator to see if their solar system survives and that the planets do not crash into each other or the sun.
Process
Each student will be required to get onto computer and access solar system creator on the web and create their own working solar system. Each student must place the planets in correct order and also giving enough distance between them so that they do not fall into each other’s orbits and destroy the planet.
Student will go to http://highered.mheducation.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/free/0072482621/78780/Solar_Nav.swf::Solar+System+Builder
From the research the students did earlier in the week about the planets, they will know the approximate AU (distance) from the sun the student will select each planet and place it on the simulator.
Once the student has placed all items in the simulator the student will run the simulator and watch for a couple of minutes to make sure that all the orbits are correct and do not collide with any other objects in the solar system.
Evaluation
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BELOW EXPECTATIONS |
MEETS EXPECTATIONS |
ABOVE EXPECTATIONS |
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FOLLOWS DIRECTIONS |
PLACED PLANETS HAPHAZARDLY |
FOLLOWED DIRECTIONS WITH MINIMAL MISTAKES |
FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY |
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PLACED PLANETS IN CORRECT ORDER |
MORE THAN 3 PLANETS OUT OF ORDER |
1 OR FEWER THAN ONE PLANET OUT OF ORDER |
ALL PLANETS IN CORRECT ORDER |
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PLACED PLANETS WITH CORRECT DISTANCE |
PLANETS PLACED WITH EXTREME DISTANCES |
MOST PLANETS PLACED APPROX WHERE THEY SHOULD BE FROM THE SUN |
ALL PLANETS PLACED EXACT AU DISTANCE FROM SON |
Conclusion
This lesson plan is designed with 3rd graders in mind. It offers a variety of demonstrations, hands on activities and technology to teach the creation of our solar system and those items that reside in our solar system. The videos and computer activity will appeal to those audio and visual learners. The power point lesson in which the teacher presents material will benefit those that prefer to read along as I read from power point. The lecture part and demonstration by teacher, students will sit individually at their desks. The cut and paste activity students will work in groups and assist each other as each group will cut and paste planets and put in correct order. After that there will be a computer simulation that each student must complete as they create their own working solar system. They will be considered passing this if their computer model solar system functions, meaning that none of their planets crash and destroy each other. Showing the student that there needs to be enough distance for orbits to work. Finally students will take a 10 question assessment.
Credits
Printed handouts for pasting and cutting out of planets.
Printed test for assessment.
Video of creation of solar system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRZYMimUET8
Solar system model creator online
Items needed for teacher demo:
Water • A clear plastic bottle with a cap (that won't leak) • Glitter • Dish washing liquid