Is the Moon a Planet?

Introduction

There are lots of wonderings about the moon. Is the moon a planet? A star? A sun? Is there a man on the moon? Is it made of cheese?

Today you are going to become moon experts!

Task

You will compare and contrast characteristics of the moon to determine whether the moon should be considered a planet, or remain just the moon.

Process

1. Complete The Moon Anticipation Guide.

The Moon Anticipation Guide

Name: _____________________ Date: ____________

Directions: Complete this Anticipation Guide about the moon BEFORE completing the online research. Indicate your response with a T for true or an F for false. AFTER researching please record the actual answer, please also give a brief description or details as to how your ideas changed or how you knew the correct response from the beginning.

Question:

Before Online Research:

After Online Research:

Description/Details:

Plants would survive on the moon just as they do on earth.

T     F

T     F

 

The surface of the moon is much smaller than earth and the other   planets, meaning it is much smaller in size.

T     F

T     F

 

The moon’s surface is covered in water.

T     F

T     F

 

No one has visited the moon yet.

T     F

T     F

 

The moon orbits the Earth in around 29 days.

T     F

T     F

 

2. Review and Research the various websites included to prove or disprove your responses on your Anticipation Guide.

http://www.planetsforkids.org/moon-moon.html

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/all-about-moon

http://kids.nineplanets.org/moon.htm

http://moon.nasa.gov/home.cfm

http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-our-moon/

3. Revise and update The Moon Anticipation Guide to include details or a description as to why each statement is true or false.

4. Collaboarate with team members to discuss "Is the Moon a Planet?"

Is the Moon a Planet?

Questions for Group Discussions

  • What makes you think the moon should be a planet?

  • What makes you think the moon should not be a planet?

  • Are there any similarities between the earth and the moon? What are they?

  • Are there any differences between the earth and the moon? What are they?

  • Why do you think the moon is not considered a planet already?

5. Independently write an opinion piece of writing to support your opinion, "Is the moon a planet?"

Is The Moon a Planet?

Opinion Writing

Topic:

 

 

Reasons:

 

 

Conclusion:

Evaluation
  1 2 3 4
Participation The student was not engaged or participating at all. The student was somewhat participating in the activities and discussions. The student particpated in class discussions and the webquest activity. The student not only participated in class discussions about webquest activites, but also was willing to help other students who were struggling with the concepts.

The Moon Anticipation Guide

 The student did not even attempt the moon anticipation guide. The student partially completed the anticipation guide. The student completed the anticipation guide with little to no assistance, and the information matched the information on the websites. The student completed the anticipation guide with no assistance, the information matched the information on the websites and reasons and details were given for each statements.

"Is the moon a planet"

Opinion Piece

 The student does not have an opinion. The student is able to state their opinion, but no reasons are given to support it. The student is able to state their opinion and give at lease one reason to support their opinion. The student is able to state their opinion and gives man reasons that support it.
Conclusion

After the completion of this WebQuest, be prepared to share your opinion on "Is the Moon a Planet?" during our whole class discussion. Not only should you have an opinion on this topic, but you should have some reasons or facts to support your opinion.

Credits
Teacher Page