Ms. Carrington Class 804

Why are we Earthlings and not Martians?

 Engage students in inquiry-based scientific study to increase their knowledge of and interest in the solar system.

Grade 8 Physical Setting Standards: Solar System  PS 1.1a-c,j Classification of celestial objects: stars including the sun; planets; comets; moons; and asteroids.  PS 1.1c-I; PS 5.1a-c - Patterns of motion, frame of reference and position, direction, and speed.  PS 1.1c,e,g,h; PS 5.1c; PS 1.1d; PS 5.2a ‐Observe, describe, and compare the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of objects. - Newton’s First Law of Motion: Inertia - gravity Grade 8 Physical Setting Standards: Solar System  PS 1.1a-c,j Classification of celestial objects: stars including the sun; planets; comets; moons; and asteroids.  PS 1.1c-I; PS 5.1a-c - Patterns of motion, frame of reference and position, direction, and speed.  PS 1.1c,e,g,h; PS 5.1c; PS 1.1d; PS 5.2a ‐Observe, describe, and compare the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of objects. - Newton’s First Law of Motion: Inertia - gravity

(from NYS standards) By the end of this unit students will be able to:  Explain daily, monthly, and seasonal changes on Earth.  Describe the sources and identify the transformations of energy observed in everyday life. (solar energy).  Observe, describe, and compare effects of forces (gravity) on the motion of objects. (from NYS standards) By the end of this unit students will be able to:  Explain daily, monthly, and seasonal changes on Earth.  Describe the sources and identify the transformations of energy observed in everyday life. (solar energy).  Observe, describe, and compare effects of forces (gravity) on the motion of objects.

 At the end of the unit, students will produce a mixed media science report on the solar system with a focus on one area of expertise.

Field Trip to Rose Center for Earth and Space Objectives: SWBAT analyze the Big Bang theory. SWBAT explore the major components of the solar system. Process: Prior to visit you will be assigned a celestial body (sun, planet, or moon) and designated as the “Resident Expert” on that object. At the Center you will collect basic information on an organizer that will serve as your first science journal entry. Special focus on Cosmic Pathway and Scales of the Universe exhibits. Resource: Field Trip to Rose Center for Earth and Space Objectives: SWBAT analyze the Big Bang theory. SWBAT explore the major components of the solar system. Process: Prior to visit you will be assigned a celestial body (sun, planet, or moon) and designated as the “Resident Expert” on that object. At the Center you will collect basic information on an organizer that will serve as your first science journal entry. Special focus on Cosmic Pathway and Scales of the Universe exhibits. Resource:

Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Objectives: SWBAT name and describe the major components of the solar system. SWBAT describe the formation of the planets. Lead In: Using information gathered on field trip, you will complete a K-W-L chart for the Big Bang and your designated celestial body. You will receive journal binder which will be divided by planet. You will add to the binder as you make discoveries. Vocabulary: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, moon, solar Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Objectives: SWBAT name and describe the major components of the solar system. SWBAT describe the formation of the planets. Lead In: Using information gathered on field trip, you will complete a K-W-L chart for the Big Bang and your designated celestial body. You will receive journal binder which will be divided by planet. You will add to the binder as you make discoveries. Vocabulary: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, moon, solar Source:

Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Mini Lesson: The Big Bang Theory is the birth of the universe as we know it. All the matter that was contained in the Big Bang is now a part of our solar system. At the end of the lesson you will have more knowledge about the Sun, Earth and other planets in our solar system. By the end of the unit you will understand how the planets formed and why the Earth makes a good home. Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Mini Lesson: The Big Bang Theory is the birth of the universe as we know it. All the matter that was contained in the Big Bang is now a part of our solar system. At the end of the lesson you will have more knowledge about the Sun, Earth and other planets in our solar system. By the end of the unit you will understand how the planets formed and why the Earth makes a good home.

Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Lab/Activity: Planet Walk with jigsaw grouping Students will use an organizer for their assigned planet (moon or sun) to be completed with facts about the planet (size, position, most frequently occurring elements, and how it was formed). Once you’ve completed your research, you will be assigned to groups of four to share your data with students who ‘walked’ different planets. You will compare and contrast their planet with your group. You will rotate groups until each student has data on all the planets, moon and sun. You will improve upon these notes as the unit progresses. Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Lab/Activity: Planet Walk with jigsaw grouping Students will use an organizer for their assigned planet (moon or sun) to be completed with facts about the planet (size, position, most frequently occurring elements, and how it was formed). Once you’ve completed your research, you will be assigned to groups of four to share your data with students who ‘walked’ different planets. You will compare and contrast their planet with your group. You will rotate groups until each student has data on all the planets, moon and sun. You will improve upon these notes as the unit progresses.

Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Assessment: You will show understanding of content by correctly explaining the basic properties of your planet and one other planet Close: Students will have their photo taken which will be placed on display with their planet area. Students receive name tags that say “Resident Expert” with their assigned planet to wear during class labs and activities. Students will be able to park questions for the expert on parts of the concept/word wall which must be researched and answered by the end of the unit. Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Assessment: You will show understanding of content by correctly explaining the basic properties of your planet and one other planet Close: Students will have their photo taken which will be placed on display with their planet area. Students receive name tags that say “Resident Expert” with their assigned planet to wear during class labs and activities. Students will be able to park questions for the expert on parts of the concept/word wall which must be researched and answered by the end of the unit.

Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Follow-up Activity: You will use their notes to categorize the planets as they see fit and be prepared to share your rationale at the start of the next lesson. Your insights will determine how the planets are grouped and regrouped during the unit. Additional information: Lesson: Birth of the Solar System Follow-up Activity: You will use their notes to categorize the planets as they see fit and be prepared to share your rationale at the start of the next lesson. Your insights will determine how the planets are grouped and regrouped during the unit. Additional information:

NYS Dept. of Education: K-8 Science Scope and Sequence Interactive content pack: solar system, for use with Smart Boards (also includes Earth, moon) p15004/?pstart=1 Explain That Stuff! BBC :The Sun and the Planets General Science Resource Directory for Teachers NYS Dept. of Education: K-8 Science Scope and Sequence Interactive content pack: solar system, for use with Smart Boards (also includes Earth, moon) p15004/?pstart=1 Explain That Stuff! BBC :The Sun and the Planets General Science Resource Directory for Teachers