Our Solar System

Sarah SpeechleyEDU 521.2

Prof. R. MoroneySummer 2010

Unit Introduction

• The solar system is one of the most fascinating science topics to learn about. But what is space? This unit of study aims to put some concrete data around the esoteric question “What is space?” Fifth grade students will study the interdependent components of the solar system including the sun, the planets, comets, asteroids, meteors, and meteorites. They will also study concepts such as the formation of our solar system, orbiting and life on other planets. Lessons are designed to build upon each other and allow the students to use and enhance their learned knowledge of space throughout the unit. The lessons range from direct instruction, cooperative learning in small groups, and independent study. This science unit is infused with technology as a teaching strategy to enhance student’s learning and engagement. Included are blogs, hotlists, internet videos and several software programs. The end goal of this science unit is to provide students an in depth knowledge of our solar system components through varied use of technology while promoting their critical thinking and decision making skills.

Context

• 5th Grade Elementary Students• Science – The Solar System• 22 Students• Students are beginners in the use of technology • Students have access to a computer or laptop at the school• Most students also have computer access at home• I will be primary teacher. There is 1 assistant teacher and 1

special education teacher who pushes into our class• The two detailed lessons are lessons 4 and 6 out of a total of

10 lessons

Aim of the Unit

• Students will learn factual information about the different components of our solar system and how they were formed. As they progress through the unit, the will learn how the earth, planets, moons, sun and stars interact with one another and about the interdependencies that exist between them.

• Students will demonstrate their knowledge by a variety of methods:

– Kidspiration diagram on the formation of our solar system– Excel spreadsheet comparing planetary facts– Microsoft Publisher Planet Travel Brochure– Microsoft Word poem about the sun– Orbiting poster– Microsoft Word paragraph detailing the life of a star– Kidspiration graphic organizer on comets, asteroids and meteors– Class Blog on “Does life exist on other planets?”

Justification For Technology• Technology helps meet educational goals

– Engages students– Promotes better retention of material– Allows for a sense of independence– Helps students with special needs

• Technology supports my curriculum– Enables me to introduce the solar system in ways that

traditional methods cannot compare: video clips on internet, both live and simulations

– Helps students be more critical thinkers– Improves decision making skills– Supports students’ multiple intelligences

Materials for the Unit• Hotlist of internet sites• Software: Excel, Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, Kidspiration• Smart Board• Class Blog• Posterboard• Pens/Pencils/Markers• Books on the Solar System

– Postcards from Pluto, by Lorren Leedy– Solar System, by Janice Van Cleave

• Worksheets:– Graphic Organizer for Lesson 8– Powerpoint document for Lesson 1– Space Worksheet for Lesson 10

Time Frame

NYS Learning Standards covered within the unit

NYS Standards for this Unit:

• Mathematics, Science and Technology– Standard 2: Information Systems (Lessons 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 ,8, 9, 10)– Standard 4: Science (All Lessons)– Standard 5: Technology (Lessons 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)– Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving (Lesson 9)

• English Language Arts– Standard 1: Language for Information and Understanding (Lessons 1,4,5,6,7,9)– Standard 3: Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation (Lesson 9, 10)

ISTE Learning Standards covered within the unit

NETS Standards for this Unit:

1. Creativity and innovation (Lessons 4, 9, 10)– b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression.– c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

2. Communication and Collaboration (Lessons 4, 9)– a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.– d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.

3. Research and Information Fluency (Lessons 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10)– b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.– d. process data and report results.

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making (All Lessons)– b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.– c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts (All Lessons)– a. understand and use technology systems– b. select and use applications effectively and productively– d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Student Hotlist

My 2 Detailed Lesson PlansLesson 4: Journey to Your Favorite PlanetObjective: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the planets in

our solar system by working in cooperative pairs to design and present a brochure persuading their classmates to visit their chosen planet.

• Use Internet Hotlist for research• Use Graphic Organizer for notetaking• Use Microsoft Publisher for design• Use Excel/Word to insert charts/tables in brochure

Lesson 6: OrbitingObjective: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the concept of

orbiting by constructing a poster showing orbiting patterns and timelines of the planets in our solar system.

• Use Internet Hotlist for research• Use internet and clip art images to apply to poster• Use Word and Excel to present data on poster

Forms of Technology• All 10 lessons use technology

– Students use technology in all lessons– Teacher use of technology takes place in Lessons 1, 2, 5,8, 9, and

10 (Filamentality, Smartboard, Powerpoint, Word)

• SMART Notebook Activity in Lesson 10: – A Sort Quiz: Planet or Not a Planet as part of unit “Wrap it up

review!”

• Adaptive or assistive technology is used in Lessons 4 and 6:– Alternative Keyboard: Intellikeys USB for students who have

physical or visual disabilities– Text to Speech: Read & Write Gold lets students select any text

on the screen to be read aloud, including text on web sites

Weebly Website