Introduction
Starry Night- A Constellation Webquest
Authors: Jenne Deutsch, Jordan DuPoint, Ashlee Springer, Trell
This WebqQuest addresses the following standards for 3rd grade comprehension:
Math
1. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NBT.A.3
2. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3
History
1. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2
2. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.2
Reading Comprehension
1. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1
Science
1. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2
2. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.6
3. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.7
Additional Reading
1. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3
2. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Have you ever looked up in the on a clear night only to see a sheet of stars blanketing the night’s sky? Quite a beautiful sight isn’t it? But did you know that there are patterns and reasons stars are located where they are? These patterns are called constellations, which is a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern. In this Webquest, you’ll be learning about stars, constellations and what they all mean. Throughout the course of this quest, you’ll be completing a worksheet as well as designing your own constellation with resourceful tools and creativity. By the end of this journey, you’ll be able to identify specific constellations and understand stars like never before! Have fun!
In this Webquest we will be learning about Stars in the different subjects of Math, History, Reading Comprehension, and Science for 3rd Grade students. Some key vocabulary words to keep an eye out for during this unit are:
Star: fixed luminous points in the sky
Constellation: any various groups of stars
Astronomy: the science that deals with the material universe beyond earth’s atmosphere
Hemispheres: each half of the globe
Zodiac: an imaginary belt of the heavens containing 12 constellations
Star Formation: when dense molecular clouds collapse and form stars
Task
Math: By the end of the math section of this Webquest each student will have a better understanding of multiplication to help salve word problems and multiplying one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10.
History: By the end of the history section of this Webquest each student will be able to recount stories and determine their main lesson or message.
Reading Comprehension: Students will be able to ask and answer questions to demonstrate their understanding of the text.
Science: Students will be able to conduct short research projects with some help from their teacher to publish their work with the use of technology.
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2 |
3 |
4 |
points |
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Task
Math |
Answers at least 20% of parts to word problem and gets all correct. Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 getting at least 20% of questions correct. |
Answers at least 50% of parts to word problem and gets at least 60% correct. Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 getting at least 60% of questions correct. |
Answers all parts to word problem and gets at least 80% correct. Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 getting at least 80% questions correct. |
Answer all parts to word problems and gets them correct. Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 getting all questions correct. |
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TASK
History |
Student is able to recount entire story and determine main lesson or message by answering at least 20% of questions correct. |
Student is able to recount entire story and determine main lesson or message by answering at least 50% of questions correct. |
Student is able to recount entire story and determine main lesson or message by answering at least 80% of questions correct. |
Student is able to recount entire story and determine main lesson or message by answering 100% of questions correct. |
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Task
Science |
Student’s research is at least 30% on topic and student successfully publishes at least 80% of work. |
Student’s research is at least 60% on topic and student successfully publishes work. |
Student’s research is at least 85% on topic and student successfully publishes work. |
Student’s research is 100% on topic and student successfully publishes work. |
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Process
Math |
Dot to Dot is at least 300% created, student didn’t not use math problems instead numbering. |
Dot to Dot is at least 60% created, 100% math problems are used instead of numbering. |
Dot to Dot is at least 80% created, 100% math problems are used instead of numbering. |
Dot to Dot is 100% created, 100% math problems are used instead of numbering. |
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Process
History (Paragraph) |
Paragraph lacks organization. Topic sentence unclear- no support. |
Paragraph has minimal organization- lacking topic, support or conclusion. |
Paragraph has good organization. Topic sentence, 2-3 supporting details, conclusion. |
Paragraph has clear organization. Topic sentence, 4-5 supporting details, conclusion. |
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Process
Science (Report) |
Major mechanical errors in grammar, formatting, and spelling. |
The final body of work has 3-5 mechanical errors in grammar, formatting, and spelling. |
The final body of work has 1-2 mechanical errors in grammar, formatting, and spelling |
The final body of work is free of mechanical errors. |
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Additional Reading
(Speaking) |
Does not speak clearly. Lacks volume and/or rate. Many verbal or physical distractions. Does not meet time requirement. Does not have understanding of reading material |
Speaks clearly but lacks consistent volume and rate. Some verbal/physical distractions. Does not meet time requirement. Okay understanding of reading material |
Speaks clearly at an appropriate rate and volume. Minimal verbal/physical distractions. Meets time requirement. Good understanding of reading material |
Speaks clearly at an appropriate rate and volume. No physical or verbal distractions. Meets time requirement. Great understanding of reading material |
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Process
Information for Process/Directions page
Math
1. Go to the website https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/constellation_.jpg
2. Locate the Aquila constellation.
3. Create a Dot to Dot
4. Use math problems instead of numbering. Example 1 x 1 = ? Since 1 x 1 = 1 this will be point 1. Since there are 10 points you will need 9 more problems.
5. When finished turn your paper into me.
6. Students with learning challenges work will be accepted with numbering instead of math problems.
7. Advanced students (mainly students that finish early) will be responsible for a drawing as well.
History
1. Go to the website http://www.tcoe.org/scicon/instructionalguide/constellations.pdf
2. Pick 1 constellation
3. Write 1 paragraph on the history/mythology of that constellation.
4. Students with learning challenges will be given more time to complete assignment
5. Advanced students will be required to share a fun fact that was not included in the paragraph for extra credit.
Reading Comprehension
1. Go to the website http://www.ducksters.com/science/physics/constellations.php
2. Complete the worksheet based on answers found on the website above.
3. BONUS POINTS: Take the 10-question quiz located at the bottom of this website. When you are finished let me know and I will record your score
4. Challenged students will be given more time
5. Advanced students are required to complete the bonus points section.
Science
1. Go to the website https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/focus-areas/how-do-stars-form-and-evolve
2. Read the information on the science of stars.
3. Pick one type of star
4. Create a report on this type of star. Be sure to include:
a) The name of the star type
b) How it is formed
c) What the star is made up of
d) A picture of an example
e) 1 interesting/fun fact about this star type
5. Challenged students will have more guided practice on which star to pick and why
6. Advanced students are required to present drawings.
Additional Reading
1. Pick 1 of the following books to read
2. Be prepared to explain what this book is about, in detail, to your class.
a) Our Stars by Anne Rockwell
b) The Sky is Full of Stars by Franklyn M. Branley
c) Spots of Light: A Book About Stars by Dana Meachen Rau
d) Stargazers by Gail Gibbons
e) The Big Dipper by Franklyn M. Branley
f) Glow in the Dark Constellations by C. E. Thompson
g) Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacueline Mitton
h) Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacueline Mitton
3. Challenged student can elect to present by poster board
4. Advanced student are required to read two picks
Evaluation
Name:____________________________________ Date:_________________
Constellations
Technology Worksheet
1. What is a constellation?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. How many constellations are there?
a) 48
b) 40
c) 88
3. What are star maps made up of?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. The season of the year can affect what constellations are visible from where you are located on Earth?
a) True
b) False
5. Name one famous constellation?
6. How are constellations useful?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
You did it!
You did it! You’ve completed your Webquest and can now explain what stars and constellations are! If you want to take what you’ve learned, ask you parents to grab a blanket and take you outside on the next clear night so you can tell them all about what you’ve learned today! Congratulations on a job well done!
Credits
References
McCarter, N. N.D. Constellation Legends. Retrieved on November 18, 2017, from http://www.tcoe.org/scicon/instructionalguide/constellations.pdf
NASA Science. 2017. Stars. Retrieved on November 18, 2017, from https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/focus-areas/how-do-stars-form-and…
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 2017. Retrieved on November 18, 2017, from https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/constellation…
Preparing America's students for success. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.corestandards.org/
Technological Solutions, INC. Astronomy for Kids: Constellations. 2017. Retrieved on November 18, 2017, from http://www.ducksters.com/science/physics/constellations.php