Reading, Writing and Rings Lynne Hehr Center for Math and Science Education University of Arkansas

Science Concepts 1. The Cassini-Huygens mission is exploring Saturn and its rings and moons. 2. Saturn is part of the solar system. 3. Planets vary in size. Saturn is much larger than Earth. 4. The distances in space are vast. Saturn is very far from Earth and even farther from the Sun.

5. Models help us understand many things in science. Models help us plan and make it easier for us to compare different objects. 6. Saturn and Earth are different in many ways. For example: size, composition, habitation, number of moons and presence of rings. 7. Saturn has many rings made of particles of varying sizes. The particles are primarily water ice.

8. The rings have many gaps in them-- the largest is the Cassini Division. The rings revolve around Saturn. 9. Saturn has many moons. Titan is the largest. The moons of Saturn are diverse and have identifiable characteristics. 10. Saturn has many features– gas layers, rings, moons and a core.

Literacy Strategies 1. Create scientifically accurate illustrations and/or diagrams. 2. Use labels to give scientific information about illustrations and diagrams. 3. Use captions to explain scientific illustrations or diagrams. 4. Use adjectives to explain scientific illustrations or diagrams.

5. Use accurate vocabulary. 6. Explain ideas and work in a way that is understandable to others. 7. Ask questions and respond to questions. 8. Practice a variety of writing strategies. 9. Use analogies. Literacy Strategies

10. Write a paragraph that includes a main idea, some supporting details and a conclusion. 11. Use a variety of poetic forms. 12. Practice non-fiction reading. 13. Practice non-fiction writing in descriptive paragraphs, summaries and compare and contrast. Literacy Strategies

Research-based Benefits of using Science Notebooks Provides students with meaningful reasons for expository writing. Provides students with meaningful reasons for expository writing. Gives students time to reflect on what they are learning before class discussions. Gives students time to reflect on what they are learning before class discussions. Creates a useful reference for class projects and investigations. Creates a useful reference for class projects and investigations.

Provides teachers with a way to spot developing student misconceptions Provides teachers with a way to spot developing student misconceptions Gives teachers evidence of student learning. Gives teachers evidence of student learning. Support differentiated learning. Support differentiated learning. Can be used to inform future instruction. Can be used to inform future instruction.

Where is Saturn?

Wow, Saturn is Much Bigger than Earth!

Amazing– Saturn is So Far, Far Away!

Making Parachutes

Titan and the Other Moons of Saturn

Discovering Saturn The Real “Lord of the Rings”

Saturn’s Fascinating Features