Solar
System
Subject Area: Science
Core Content Area- Science SC-E 2.2.2
Grade Level(s): 5th and 6th
Duration of Activity: One week
Description of
Activity:
Students will create a PowerPoint
presentation that includes facts about the solar system using information found
by researching both a science textbook and the World Wide Web. They will create
models of the solar system to display in the classroom.
Objectives:
Students will visit Web sites to research information
about the Solar System.
Students will research basic information about the sun and
complete the Sun Worksheet.
Students will find information about each of the nine
planets that make up the Solar system and create PowerPoint
presentations using the information that they find.
The students will create a model of the solar system to
display in the classroom.
Materials/Equipment:
Computers with access to the Internet
Microsoft PowerPoint software or other presentation software
Large computer monitor or projection equipment
Assorted Styrofoam balls
Styrofoam block (for base)
Markers
Toothpicks
Handout
1: Web Search Guide
Handout
2: PowerPoint Directions
Handout
3: Sun Worksheet
Handout
4: Solar System Worksheet
Handout
5: Written Assessment
Handout
6: PowerPoint Presentation and Model Rubric
Handout
7: Written Assessment Answers
Prerequisites (skills
or background needed):
Basic knowledge of how to conduct a Web search: Handout
1: Web Search Guide
Basic knowledge of how to use PowerPoint software: Handout
2: PowerPoint Directions.
Procedure
Teacher Component:
1.
The
teacher will bookmark the Web sites to be used in the students' research. These
can be placed in Netscape Bookmarks or in Internet Explorer Favorites. In
Netscape placing the site URLs in the Personal Toolbar Folder will put create
links directly from the opening page of the browser. The same thing can be
accomplished in Internet Explorer by placing the URLs in the Links folder.
2.
Teacher
will instruct students in how to navigate the Web sites. (It helps if the
teacher goes to the Web sites a few times prior to class and explores them.)
3.
Teacher
will facilitate learning using technology and a science text.
Student Activities:
Day 1
1.
Divide
the class into groups. (Use the group number that works well for your
classroom.) Each group will search the Web for facts about the sun. Each group
will be responsible for completing the Handout 3: Sun Worksheet.
2.
The
group will be responsible for reading the chapter in the science textbook about
the solar system.
3.
The
students will be instructed how to use Styrofoam balls to create a model of the
solar system.
Day 2
1.
Each
group will be responsible for completing Handout 4: Solar System
Worksheet.
2.
Each
group will gather information in addition to their worksheets to create their PowerPoint
presentations using a search engine to gather information.
3.
Students
will continue to work on their models.
Day 3
1.
Each
group will be responsible for taking information gathered on Day 2 and
organizing it for use in creating a PowerPoint presentation.
2.
Each
group will create a PowerPoint presentation.
3.
Students
will continue to work on their models.
Day 4
1.
Each
group will continue working on their presentations. Stress the importance of
having accurate information.
2.
Ask
the students to compare the two sites used on the Handout 4: Solar
System Worksheet. Note how these sites give different information about the
planets. Discuss methods that can be used to decide which site has more
accurate information.
3.
Students
should complete the model on Day 4.
Day 5
1.
Students
will give their presentations and present their models.
2.
Students
will complete a Handout 5: Written Assessment on the solar system.
Accommodations:
Students can help each other when working in groups as
peer tutors.
Students can "map" their PowerPoint
slides on a piece of paper before going to the computer if any student is
uncomfortable using technology. Another student can help the reluctant student
create his/her PowerPoint slide.
Extension Activities:
Students can go to the www.nasa.gov Web site and scroll down to Other cool
NASA Web sites. Click there and go to Educational and Interactive Sites
or any other sites of interest. NASA has great information on their Web sites.
Integration:
Science
Technology
Language Arts (comprehension)
Assessments:
1.
Grade
Sun Worksheet from Day 1.
2.
Grade
Solar System Worksheet from Day 2.
3.
Handout
6: Rubric to grade
PowerPoint presentation and model.
URLs:
The Sun
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/
solar_system_level1/sun.html
Part of the NASA Web site. This site is a good guide for the students. It will
actually read the page to them, so the students hear the correct pronunciation
of the words.
The Nine Planets
www.planets4kids.com
This site has useful information. However, the teacher will need to stress to
the students that this site may not be the best source for accurate
information.
Search
Engine Sites
Altavista
www.altavista.digital.com
Dogpile.com
www.dogpile.com
Yahoo
www.yahoo.com
Metacrawler
www.metacrawler.com
Ask Jeeves
www.askjeeves.com
Excite
www.excite.com
National Educational Technology
Standards (NETS):
1.
Use
keyboards and other common input and output devices efficiently and
effectively. (1)
5.
Use
technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and
publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and
outside the classroom.
TerraNova: CTBS
19 Science Inquiry (Level 11-21/22)
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of science inquiry.
Demonstrate the ability to perform science inquiry.
Through
text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of investigations, analyze
investigations, and communicate results.
20 Physical Science (Level 11-21/22)
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of
physical science. Apply physical science knowledge to investigations and
real-world contexts.
Through
text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of physical science concepts
and principles.