The Solar System

A WebQuest for 4th Grade Science

Designed by

B. Elliott

Overview | Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits

Overview (for teachers)

This lesson is intended for students at the fourth grade level. It is an introduction to the solar system, including the stars, planets, and the sun. Students can see pictures and learn facts about the solar system through this site.

The Georgia Performance Standards associated with this lesson in Earth Science are as follows:

S4E1. Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, star patterns, and planets.

a. Recognize the physical attributes of stars in the night sky such as number, size, color and patterns.

b. Compare the similarities and differences of planets to the stars in appearance, position, and number in the night sky.

S4E2. Students will model the position and motion of the earth in the solar system and will explain the role of relative position and motion in determining sequence of the phases of the moon.

a. Explain the day/night cycle of the earth using a model.

b. Explain the sequence of the phases of the moon.

c. Demonstrate the revolution of the earth around the sun and the earth’s tilt to explain the seasonal changes.

d. Demonstrate the relative size and order from the sun of the planets in the solar system.

A helpful website for this unit may be www.nasa.gov.

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of outer space! We will explore what is beyond our earth into the solar system. Did you know that our earth is about 152 million kilometers from the sun? Did you know that the average temperature of the planet Pluto is - 380^o Fehrenheit? This webquest will allow you to discover things you never knew even existed! So, 3…2…1….Blastoff! And enjoy the ride!

Task

You will imagine you are an astronaut. What will you bring on your journey to Space? What training will you have before you leave? What will you do when you arrive at your destination?

As you work in your groups, you will be given various scenarios that might affect a real astronaut team in Space. Your job is to handle them in the best and safest way possible, based on what you have learned about the solar system.

You will write a daily log of your experiences as an astronaut. It must incorporate facts that you have learned about the solar system and you must include pictures. This is a team effort – astronauts never travel to space alone! There will be three other members of your expedition, and you will join together to create your space journal.

Each member of the group will have a role and you may choose yours. They are:

1. Commanding Officer (You are the leader and must make final decisions for your group)
2. Communications Captain (You are responsible for interaction with scientists on Earth)
3. Planetologist (You are the expert on planets! You give great insight in decision-making.)
4. Safety Officer (You are responsible for considering safety issues. You report to the Commanding Officer with concerns)

The Process

To complete your task, you must follow these guidelines. Be as creative as you want – that is the goal! Make your journal interesting and fun so others will want to read it. But remember you must tie in what you have learned about the solar system. Do not simply write a science fiction story. It is important that you provide facts and solve the problems you are given as a team.

You will have two weeks to complete this project. We will spend some science time each day to create and work on your journal. It will be due on Friday December 9^th at the end of science time.

You may use any resources you would like. You may use your science book, the internet, a parent, a library book, a video, or any other resource you may think of. Be creative and do the research you need to make your journal the best it can be.

Some good resources you might want to check out….

This site gives you an idea of the astronaut roles you are given.

http://www.fastcopyinc.com/majormattmason/characters.htm

This is a link to NASA’s website. There is lots of helpful information about Space exploration and there are also pictures.

http://www.nasa.gov

This is a fun site that has facts, games, and information that will help you with your Space journal.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/our_solar_system/solar_system.html

1. You will be assigned to your group

2. Choose who will take on each specific role.

3. Design your journal – be colorful and creative!

4. Tackle one scenario a day based on what you are given.

5. Write a daily log, being careful to include facts and to avoid spelling mistakes.

6. You may type up your journal if you wish.

7. Turn in your journal at the end of science time on Friday

8. Be sure to staple your slips of “Space Scenarios” together and include them in the final project.

It may help you to brainstorm and write down ideas as a group before you begin writing. Be sure to divide the work evenly. To brainstorm, you may want to make a concept map or a chart. This might help you to create a story line so you will be able to add in your scenarios as they are given to your group. Remember to include your setting and characters when you open your journal. Here is an example of a story map.

Evaluation

This is how your work will be evaluated. Keep in mind that you will receive a group grade and an individual grade.

	Beginning -1	Developing - 2	Accomplished - 3	Exemplary - 4	Score
Group Work	Group members are not working together, one or two members do all the work. There is no evidence of teamwork.	Students attempt to work as a group. Work is not sufficient.	Students struggle a little to work in a group setting. Everyone is involved and working toward the common goal.	Students work exceptionally well together as a group, addressing issues and working as a team. Everyone is involved in the process.
Organization	The journal is not clearly labeled or dated or divided by daily logs. It is not visually appealing.	The journal is somewhat labeled and includes some dates and visual organization.	The journal is labeled but is not entirely orderly. It includes dates and daily logs.	The journal is clearly labeled, dated, and divided by daily logs. It is organized in a fashion that is easy to follow and is visually appealing.
Creativity	Little or no creativity is evident in the journal.	The journal addresses scenarios but not with much creativity.	Some creativity is exemplified in the story line and there are a few pictures.	Journal reflects creativity on the part of the group. There are pictures and the journal is attractive.
Knowledge of Subject	There is not factual basis, only a story line.	Facts and concepts are applied generally and not in great detail.	Some facts and concepts are included. There is some knowledge of the subject matter.	Facts and concepts are included in the journal. There is obvious knowledge of the subject matter.

Conclusion

By writing this journal, you will understand what it is like to be involved in space exploration. You will be able to think and act as an astronaut would, and you will get a better grasp of the solar system. You will be challenged to solve problems and learn how to work as a team.

If you had interpreted their roles differently, how might the outcome have changed?

How was working in a group stretching or challenging for you?

So, would you consider being an astronaut?

Credits & References

chandra.harvard.edu/ chronicle/0205/orion/

http://www.fastcopyinc.com/majormattmason/characters.htm

www.firebird.cn