Introduction to the solar system, part 1
Objectives:
Events of Instruction:
Resources:
References:
Objectives:
- Define solar system: Our solar system all the planets that orbit the sun, is ancient
- Define galaxy: Millions of solar systems, there are 3 galaxies
- Identify that we are a part of the Milky Way Galaxy
- Define: astronomy (scientific study of the universe and celestial bodies)
- Understand that the sun is the center of our solar system
- Define planet: a large sphere (ball) in space that orbits a star
- Laminated sheet
- Dry erase markers
- Large sheet of paper or poster
- Powerpoint with images of objects in objectives
- Books about space and the solar system
Events of Instruction:
- Teacher will begin by writing a KWL (what we Know, what we Want to know, what we Learned) chart on a large sheet of paper or poster that is clipped onto the board. Call on students using equity sticks and ask students first what they already know about the solar system and space. Write student responses on the paper.
- Next, ask students what they want to know about space and the solar system. Continue using equity sticks to call on students and write their responses on the paper. Tell students that the L, or learned column will be completed at the end of the lesson.
- Hand out books to students on the solar system (see Books page) and ask students to write down five facts about the solar system in their journals that they find.
- Continue using equity sticks and call on students to find out what they learned.
- Inform students that there are a few key definitions (objectives, listed again below) that are very important, and write this information on the board for the class. Instruct students to copy down the definitions and facts into their journals under the facts they found. Review these facts with the class, and show pictures of a galaxy, solar system, the sun in the center of our solar system, and a planet to the class to aid instruction.
- Define solar system: Our solar system all the planets that orbit the sun, is ancient
- Define galaxy: Millions of solar systems, there are 3 galaxies
- Identify that we are a part of the Milky Way Galaxy
- Define: astronomy (scientific study of the universe and celestial bodies)
- Understand that the sun is the center of our solar system
- Define planet: a large sphere (ball) in space that orbits a star
- Assessment: Tell students put their journals away and to get out their laminated sheets (each student will have a piece of paper that is laminated) and hand out dry erase markers. After erasing the definitions on the board, write a word bank on the board with the words solar system, galaxy, Milky Way Galaxy, astronomy, sun, and planet. Give the students the definition of one of these terms listed above and ask students to write the correct term that you describe on their white board. After the student writes down their definition, have them hold up their laminated sheet and check for comprehension. Repeat this activity with definitions for galaxy, astronomy, Milky Way Galaxy, Planet, and what is in the center of our universe. Be sure to check for student understanding and have a sheet of paper nearby to write down who is struggling to be sure they get extra help. This will serve as the summative assessment.
- Go back the the class KWL chart and fill in the L, or learned column. Use equity sticks once again to ensure everyone gets to participate.
Resources:
- Link to an example of a KWL chart: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CEcwYGyVp4/UBrHyBigIII/AAAAAAAABSk/6hjuTKmU9FQ/s1600/classroom+kwl+chart.jpg
References:
- http://quizlet.com/3327340/4th-grade-science-solar-system-flash-cards/
- http://www.pamelasanford.com/science-unit-7-earth-moon-and-solar-system.html
- http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CEcwYGyVp4/UBrHyBigIII/AAAAAAAABSk/6hjuTKmU9FQ/s1600/classroom+kwl+chart.jpg