Planets Order, Characteristics, and Orbits Linda Hallinan We- Excel 2007/08 Earth, Moon, and Sun Systems

Intended Setting Suburban Junior High School Campus Style Approximately 300 students (7th-8th) Long-term sub position Astronomy started when the classroom teacher returned. Could not execute lesson, started my next position in the high school math department immediately after. Suburban Junior High School Campus Style Approximately 300 students (7th-8th) Long-term sub position Astronomy started when the classroom teacher returned. Could not execute lesson, started my next position in the high school math department immediately after.

State Standards 6-8 Earth and Space Science/Benchmark A 1.1. Describe how objects in the solar system are in regular and predictable motions that explain such phenomena as days, years, seasons, eclipses, tides and moon cycles Explain that gravitational force is the dominant force determining motions in the Solar System and in particular keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun.

Flow of the lesson (2 -3 class periods) Construction of an ellipse - Foci - “The Sun is one.” Planetary Clue Cards - understand characteristics of the planets and order. Set up a model of planetary distances using toilet paper as a measurement tool. Homework: If the sun were a golf ball understanding diameters of the planets. Construction of an ellipse - Foci - “The Sun is one.” Planetary Clue Cards - understand characteristics of the planets and order. Set up a model of planetary distances using toilet paper as a measurement tool. Homework: If the sun were a golf ball understanding diameters of the planets.

Assessments Formative Assessments –Pre-Test –Planetary Orbits - 1st attempt –Group Questioning Summative Assessments –Planetary Orbits - 2nd attempt –Post-Test Formative Assessments –Pre-Test –Planetary Orbits - 1st attempt –Group Questioning Summative Assessments –Planetary Orbits - 2nd attempt –Post-Test

Rubric for Planetary Orbits

Suggested Inclusion Strategies More guidance with the toilet paper measurement activity. I would have a matching of the distance number for the homework page instead of the math component. More guidance with the toilet paper measurement activity. I would have a matching of the distance number for the homework page instead of the math component.

Suggested Extensions Night Sky Projection Activity Have the students poke holes in a piece of black construction paper and then have them project a light through the paper and hang Styrofoam balls from the ceiling at the locations that the light hits them. Night Sky Projection Activity Have the students poke holes in a piece of black construction paper and then have them project a light through the paper and hang Styrofoam balls from the ceiling at the locations that the light hits them.