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Module 4: The Planets
Lesson 1: An explorative journey through the solar system
Timeframe:
This activity requires approximately three to four 30-minute classes
- 1 or 2 Classes for planet research
- 1 Class for planet model construction
- 1 Class to pace out the solar system
Objectives: Pan-Canadian Curriculum Objectives
104-8: demonstrate the importance of using the languages of science and technology to compare and communicate ideas, processes, and results (e.g., use appropriate terminology such as "constellations," "planets," "moons," "comets," "asteroids," and "meteors" to describe objects in space)
205-8: identify and use a variety of sources and technologies to gather pertinent information (e.g., use electronic and print resources or visit a planetarium to gather information on the visual characteristics of planets)
300-23: describe the physical characteristics of components of the solar system - specifically, the sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteors
General Objectives:
Through this lesson, students will become more familar with the physical characteristics of the nine planets as well as an appreciation for the distance scales within the solar system. The activity attempts to provide students with a kinesthetically interactive and shared learning experience, as well as to model the correct size of and distance between the planets, and lastly, to show why it's called "space;" the vast emptiness between the planets.
Curricular Connections:
- Language Arts
- Descriptive writing
- Social Studies
- Research and reporting
- Visual Arts
- Constructing the planet models
Lesson Overview:
The lesson involves dividing students into groups of 3 and assigning each group a planet to research (ensure that all nine planets will be covered). The groups will research their given planet for important characteristics and qualities and they will also construct a model of that planet out of Styrofoam balls. After completing the models, the teacher will guide the students on a walk, placing the planets at their correct distances from the sun as you go. As the planets are placed, the group that researched that planet will provide the rest of the class with information corresponding to it.
Materials and Resources:
Nota : This page contains documents for which the access may require a particular software. If the software is not installed, you can download it and follow the instructions for installation.
- Small scribblers (PDF format, 250 KB)
- Table of planetary distances and conversions (PDF format, 23 KB)
- CDROMS and Internet websites including planetary information
- Astronomy textbooks and library resources, including encyclopedias
- Computer demonstration of the solar system
- Poster of the solar system with distances from sun indicated
- Materials for students to create planetary models
(including known planetary features).* - List of internet websites applicable to planetary research
* Note: each group will be given a Styrofoam ball to build a model of their respective planet.
Developing the Lesson:
Explain to the students that by the end of this activity, they will all be planetary experts and will have had the chance to share their knowledge with others.
Begin with focus questions:
Ask students if they know why the other planets are so vastly different from Earth. Ask the students if they have ever wondered how far it is to Mars, Jupiter or Pluto.
Tell students that they will be doing research using the computers or other materials in the class.
Give a quick introduction to using the computer to find the websites.
Divide the class into small groups of 3 students.
Assign each group a specific planet to research and explain to them that they will be required to maintain a logbook throughout this activity.
Give the students at least 40 minutes to do their research. If more time is needed, devote another 40 minutes to the research. The research is a very important component to the overall activity.
Provide each group with materials to construct their model planet (including known planetary features).
Monitor students' research progress and reassemble the class at an appropriate time.
Tell them they are now going to start constructing their planet model.
Monitor students' model construction and after a respectable time, reassemble the class
Tell students that the class will begin pacing out the solar system
Have one student place the Sun Styrofoam ball at one end of the classroom.*
As a class, pace the distance to Mercury (4 paces from the sun); here have Mercury group place their planet and give a list of 4 interesting facts about the planet. The other students in the class should make a few notes in their logbooks according to the information they just learned about the planet.
Continue placing the planets at their corresponding distances from the Sun and having the groups present their findings.
When the class reaches the asteroid belt, place a marker and tell the class that they will be learning about asteroids, comets and the asteroid belt at a later time.
Continue the walk until the class reaches Pluto.
Discuss how far apart the planets are.**
- Try to have the students comprehend the vast distances in millions of kilometers or miles.
* Note: the sun ball was constructed last class when students were learning about how the sun works and about its structure.
** Note: At this point, comment that the Jovian planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) are at much greater distances from each other than the terrestrial (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) planets.
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their participation in the group activities.
The students' logbooks will also be evaluated for accuracy of information and correct tabulation of the numerical answers for distance measurements.
Lastly, the students will be asked for their opinions on the effectiveness of the activity and will be asked to offer further suggestions for future activities.
The following rubric may be helpful for evaluations.
Cooperative Learning Rubric
