The Solar System ~A Webquest for 3rd Grade In Earth and Space Science

Introduction

In this lesson students will explore the Solar System and the Nine Planets.  Students will make connections to the nine planets, the earth and the sun.

Earth Graphics

 

Task

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=libKVRa01L8

Hello Students!

You have a very important Space Mission! to complete.  You must find all nine planets, where they are located near the sun and how they compare in size to the Planet Earth.  Remember  My Very Energetic Mother Just Served Us Nachos.  If you can solve this riddle you are almost there!  Happy Space Findings, Earthlings!!!!

 

 

Process

  1. First you will need to identify the nine planets.  To do this please visit the website https://kidsastronomy.com/solar-system/.
  2. Next you will watch the following video:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ2bQWH6GCM

     

  3. You will need to keep a journal with your notes from this lesson.  This journal will be graded on its organization and information gathered pertaining to the lesson.

  4. You will then choose 1 planet to complete an in-depth paragraph on.  Paragraphs must describe the planet's size, relation to the sun and Earth and must be a minimum of 6 complete sentences.

  5. You will then complete a quiz on the nine planets and the solar system. 

 

Name_____________________________

Date______________________________

 

Solar System Quiz

1. What is the sun?

a. A star

b. A light

c. A yellow hole in the sky

2. Which planet is closest to the sun?

a. Neptune

b. Mercury

c. Venus

3. What is the moon?

a. The sun

b. An object that rotates around the earth

c. A Meteor

4. Which object is located most closely to the center of the solar system?

a. Moon

b. Earth

c. Uranus

d. Sun

5. Who visits outer space?

a. Farmers

b. Scientists

c. Astronauts

6. Which planet is furthest from the sun?

a. Jupiter

b. Pluto

c. Saturn

7. Does earth rotate or revolve around the sun? ____________________________________________

8. True or False The sun is a planet.______________________

9. True or False Astronauts have landed on Mars. ___________________________

10. List the names of all nine planets in the solar system. _____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

***Bonus Question ***

True or False Aliens and Martians live in Outer Space. ______________________________________

6. Last you will be split into groups of two where you will design a model of the solar system given paint, foam balls, paper, and sticks.  In this model you must display where planets are located in relation to the sun and Earth.

Evaluation

Each student will be graded individually using the rubric below. 

Rubric

1

2

3

4

Journal-No entries found.

Journal- Attempts focus. 1 Journal entry found.

Journal -Develops a focus. 4-5 Journal entries found.

 

Journal-Establishes a clear focus. 7-8 journal entries found.

Quiz –Score less than 50%

 

Quiz-Scores at least 60%

 

Quiz- Scores at least 80%

 

Quiz-Scores 100%

Project- No planets evident.

 

Project-1-2 planets evident.

1-2 planets in correct order.

Project-5-6 planets evident.

5-6 planets in correct order.

Project-7-8 planets evident. 7-8 planets in correct order.

 

 Journal Score 1-4____________

Quiz Score 1-4________________

Project Score 1-4_________________

 

Total Score: _____________

Conclusion

At the end of this lesson you will be able to identify the nine planets.  You will also be able to establish  a correlation between the Earth to the sun as well as the approximate distance to the Sun. You will be able to successfully name the nine planets as well as provide in depth information on at least one other planet besides Earth.  Upon completing this lesson please provide what other information you have learned about the solar system and its planets.

 

Mission Accomplished!

You have successfully completed your mission and have now become an expert on The Solar System and the Nine Planets!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Credits

Teacher Page

Lesson Plan Outline

Lesson Title: The Solar System

Objective: Students will identify the nine planets as well as characteristics of the solar system.

Time Frame: Over the course of 1 week.

Materials: Computer, Pencils, foam balls, paint, sticks, paper, journal paper.

Standards:

S:ESS2:4:3.1  Recognize that the Moon orbits the Earth.

S:ESS2:4:3.2  Recognize that the Earth is one of a number of planets that orbit the Sun.

S:ESS3:4:1.1  Recognize that astronomical objects in space are massive in size and are separated from one another by vast distances.

Activities:

  1. Students will visit a website to gain information about the solar system.
  2. Students will watch a Youtube video to gain insight on the solar system.
  3. Students will create a journal for notes they have taken throughout the lesson.
  4. Students will then research information of the planet of their choice and write an in-depth paragraph about the planet they have chosen.
  5. Students will then be quizzed on the lesson.
  6. Last students will partner with a peer to create a model of the solar system with materials provided.

Assessment

Throughout the lesson students will be assessed on their ability to follow directions, take notes, their quiz score as well as their participation in and the quality of their group project.