Planets in Our Solar System

Planets in Our Solar System

A WebQuest for 3^rd grade – Solar System

Designed by

Nancy Peterman

petermann@rcs.k12.tn.us

· Introduction

· Task

· Process

· Evaluation

· Conclusion

· Credits

· Teacher Resources

Introduction

Wow! You made it! After all these years of preparation, you have become an astronaut and have just been launched on your first trip into the unknown by way of the space ship Atlantis. I can’t wait to hear about the discoveries you will make about the planets as you travel about our solar system at warp speed.

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Task

Your mission is to discover and record information on the following:

· List the planets in order from the sun.

· How did each planet get its name?

· What is an additional name for each planet?

· Make a T chart that groups all 9 planets into one of two groups.

· Name 3 unique facts about each planet.

· Compare our planet Earth to another planet by making a Venn Diagram.

You will use Kidspiration Program and Web sites to complete your task.

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The Process

1. First you’ll be assigned to a team of 2 students.

1. Read over the information that you are to locate on your journey in space ship Atlantis.

2. Search for answers to the questions and record them on the Solar System Mission worksheet.

· List the planets in order from the sun.

Introduction to the Nine Planets Grouping Planets

http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=SolarSys

· How did each planet get its name?

Let's Explore the Nine Planets StarChild: The Planets

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0875452.html

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/planets.html

· What is an additional name for each planet?

StarChild: The Planets

· Make a T chart that groups all 9 planets into one of two groups.

Introduction to the Nine Planets Grouping Planets

· Name 3 unique facts about each planet.

Let's Explore the Nine Planets Planets - Zoom Astronomy

StarChild: The Planets Astronomy For Kids

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=SolarSys&Display=OverviewLong

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/planets.html

http://www.frontiernet.net/~kidpower/planets.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/

3. Use the web, Kidspiration, and your worksheet information to make a Venn Diagram.

· Compare our planet Earth to another planet by making a Venn Diagram.

Let's Explore the Nine Planets Planets - Zoom Astronomy

StarChild: The Planets Astronomy For Kids

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=SolarSys&Display=OverviewLong

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/planets.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/

http://www.frontiernet.net/~kidpower/planets.html

4. Transfer your Venn Diagram to poster size. Add a title, be neat, and creative. Remember to put your names on the poster.

5. Present your poster to the class.

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Evaluation

Your Venn Diagram Poster and presentation will be evaluated using the following rubric:

	2	3	4	5
Contents and Mechanics of Mission Worksheet	Many errors in writing. Incomplete sentences and unorganized information.	Some errors in writing and some incomplete sentences. Information is somewhat organized.	Mostly has complete sentences with proper capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Writing is well organized.	Entire poster has complete sentences with correct capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Very well organized.
Appearance of Poster	Poster is messy and does not include all of the required elements.	Poster is plain and does not include all of the required elements.	Poster is adequately neat and organized. Most of the required elements are included.	Poster is neat and organized and very pleasant to look at. All of the required elements are included.
Presentation	Does not speak clearly and does not seem to know what to say	Some idea of what to say and do.	Presentation is well planned. Speaks clearly.	Creative way of presenting material. Presentation is well planned and enjoyable to listen to.
Creativity	No creativity shown.	Little creativity shown.	Good creativity shown.	Very creative.

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Conclusion

When your trip and requirements are complete then you will have a better understanding of the planets in our solar system. Who knows? You may be the person who discovers another planet or another solar system. Be ready to learn something new each day you live.

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Teacher Resources

This web quest is designed for use with third graders but may be adapted for other grade levels. The lesson is organized to guide the student teams in completing their research and presenting an oral report with a poster. There is flexibility in the amount of time chosen to spend on each activity. The teacher should guide the students through each step of the process and pair students up according to abilities. Most of the students should be able to complete the tasks with little assistance.

This project checks out with the Third Grade Science and Language Arts standards.

Science Standards:

Content Standard: 7.0 Earth and Its Place in the Universe

3.7.spi.5 identify the components of the solar system (e.g.

planets, moons)

Language Standards:

Content Standard: 3.0 The student will use standard English conventions and proper spelling as appropriate to speaking and writing.

Learning Expectations:

3.01 Demonstrate knowledge of standard English usage.

3.02 Demonstrate knowledge of standard English mechanics.

3.03 Demonstrate knowledge of standard English spelling.

3.04 Demonstrate knowledge of correct sentence structure.