Researching the Solar System

Researching The Solar System

Third Grade Research Project : Mrs. Halverson

Introduction

Standards

Objectives

Activities

Assessment

Results

Resources

Sun

Introduction
In this lesson third grade students will acquire information about our solar system through accessing sights on the internet. They will write a research report on the solar system utilizing the stages of the writing process. Recording relevant information is made easy with a guide for note taking that will help organize specific topics by paragraphs. A paper mache model of their favorite planet will be created after their report is written.

Subject:                       Language Arts / Earth Sciences
Topic:                           Research Report
Grade Level:               Third
Student Lesson name and URL: http://ctap295.ctaponline.org/~ahalvers/student

Standards Addressed

Third Grade:

1.0 Writing Strategies: Students write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop a central idea. Their writing shows they consider the audience and purpose. Students progress through the stages of the writing process (e.g., prewriting, drafting, revising, editing successive versions).

Organization and Focus

1.1 Create a single paragraph:

a. Develop a topic sentence
b. Include simple supporting facts and details.

Science: Earth Sciences

Earth's place in the solar system

4. Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns. As a basis for understanding this concept students know:

d. The Earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun

back to top

Instructional Objectives
Given several linked sights on the solar system from the student home room and activity page thestudent will locate and explore each sight.
Given a solar system research guide the student will write a six paragraph research report using the structure given within this guide.
Given a copy and paste activity students will learn to copy information from one page to another.
Given a guide for note taking students will cut and paste information relevant to each topic. They will use this information to write the specified paragraphs in their own words using a topic sentence with supporting facts and details.
Given several linked sights to explore the solar system the students will:
- Describe the solar system as: the sun and all of the objects that travel around it, having an elliptical shape, part of a galaxy known as the Milky Way , and being in existance for about four to five billion years. (introductory paragraph)
- Identify the sun as a star in the center of the solar system which exerts a tremendous gravitational pull on all objects orbiting it. (second paragraph)
- Describe the difference between the inner terresrial planets that orbit closest to the Sun: (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) and outer gas planets that orbit beyond the Astroid Belt: (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)and (Pluto). (third paragraph)
- Describe the smaller bodies of mass that orbit our solar system. The aseroid belt forms the boundary between the inner and outer solar system. Asteroids can be classified as small planets or large rocks. Comets are a dirty ball of ice. Meteors are smaller than asteroids and enter the earths atmosphere. http://ispec.scibernet.com/station/debris.html (fourth paragraph)
- Distinguish beween rotation and revolution or orbit and define each movement in relation to the planets. (fifth paragraph)
- Identify the planet they found most interesting and explain why. (conclusion)
- Sequence planet locations between the sun and pluto by paying website game. http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/Puzzles/SolarSystem.as
Given several pictures of the solar system the students will draw a cover for their report sequencing the planets in order from the sun to pluto.
Given the materials needed students will create a paper mache model of their favorite planet.

Student Activities

back to top

Students will view videos, access web sights, and read books on the solar system to write a research report on specific topics about the solar system. They will also create a paper mache model of their favorite planet.

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/StarChild.html

http://www.slider.net/~ed/SPACE/SUN/sun.html

http://www.spacekids.com/spacenews/solarsystem-ez.html

http://www.brainpop.com/science/space/solarsystem/index.weml

http://kids.f9.net.uk/flash/planets/about_planets.html

http://www.windows.ucar.edu

http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/astronomy/solarsystem/

http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/

http://library.thinkquest.org/18188/english/gallery/main.htm

http://planets4kids.com/intro.htm

http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/overview.html

Introductory Activity
Students will begin this lesson with direct instruction on how to access the web from the home room page. They will be given time to access these sites and experience moving independently within the linked sites only. Viewing these websites will help them develop a basic knowledge about the solar system. The information they access will be used to write a research report . Videos will be viewed, and books will be read in addition to the web activities to develop the knowledge needed for their report.

Enabling Activity(ies)

Day 1- Students will access the Home Room page (which will be bookmarked to save time) http://berners.bcoe.butte.k12.ca.us/~ahalvers/student/ and read the lesson expectations.

Next click on modular testing capsule and instruct students to answer questions about aspects of the solar system they will soon explore. http://quizlab2.funbrain.com
Through direct instruction the teacher will demonstrate how to access and move within the linked websites without getting lost within other sites. Give students time to explore.
Go back to home page and introduce Mr. Writing Wizard. Travel to his research guide and together read his expectations.
Go to his note taking guides and together read his expectations.
Go to solar system games and demonstrate.

Day 2- Review how to access linked sites on the home room page and give students time to explore.

Demonstrate how to cut and paste information from the internet onto their note taking guide. Do cut and paste activity on the student activity page. Both pages must be in edit page mode to complete this activity. On my imac I had to stop the animations before it would go into edit mode.
Give students time to cut and paste information for the introduction and second paragraph.
Print info to take back to class and write paragraphs.
Go to solar system games and demonstrate

Day 3- Repeat day two except do third and fourth paragraphs.

Students who finish early may go to solar system games.
Print info to take back to class and write paragraphs.

Day 4- Repeat day three except do fifth paragraph and conculsion.

Students who finish early may go to solar system games.
Print info to take back to class and write paragraphs.

Day 5- Students who have not completed their paragraphs may continue to work.

Students who finish early may go to solar system games.
All students will take quiz.

Culminating Activity
Two culminating activities will complete this lesson:

1. Each student will complete a six paragraph report on the solar system.

2. Each student will create a paper mache model of their favorite planet.

back to top

Assessment

Pre and post test will be accessed at: http://quizlab2.funbrain.com

Rubric Instructions:
For each of the criteria listed, students will receive a score from 1-5.
1= Not yet showing control
2= Emerging Skills
3= Developing Skills
4= Competent Skills
5= Strong Skills

Research Report Rubric:
1 2 3 4 5

Content- The ideas in this paper are clear, they hold the readers attention. The details are relevant and accurate. . . . . .

Organization- The title is appropriate. The introduction is inviting, and the conclusion is satisfying. The sequence of events is logical. . .. . . .

Word Choice- The words convey meaning in a precise, interesting and natural way. . . . . .

Sentence Fluency- Sentences are well structured to enhance meaning. They flow well with rhythm that is expressive when read aloud. One thought builds upon and relates to another. . . . . .

Conventions- The writer uses correct spelling, accurate punctuation, clear grammar usage, and structured paragraphing skills. . . . . .

Presentation- The penmanship and illustrations help the reader to understand the message and are pleasing to the eye. When appropriate there is effective integration of charts, graphs, maps, tables, illustrations, etc. . . . . .