Let’s Explore the Solar System! 3 rd Grade

Learning Objectives Students will demonstrate an understanding of the solar system by making a 3D model. Students will demonstrate understanding of the planets and solar system by presenting an oral report and passing a short vocabulary quiz.

Materials Paper mache mix Newspaper Styrofoam spheres (or balloons) of different sizes Construction paper Glue Photos of each planet Paint Paintbrushes Markers Measuring stick

Preparation Mix/make paper mache paste and cut newspaper into short, thick strips. Lay out Styrofoam spheres (or balloons) of different sizes to represent each planet. Have a construction paper cut out of a large sun in middle of classroom. Print photos of each planet. Plan library visit for the students to do research - books, selected websites on the internet, etc.

Attention getter Solar system online games/ coloring books/ reading books. Explore solar sytem: Space coloring book: k/index.html k/index.html Space games: flash/index.html flash/index.html

Procedure Group discussion/ short lecture about solar system: focus on planets relation to one another and to the sun (size and distance and make up). Divide students into groups with each group being assigned a different planet. Paper mache Styrofoam (or balloons) to make a hard shell, let dry. Library visit for students to research and find information about the solar system and their assigned planet. Return to classroom, have groups meet and discuss/list what information they found on their assigned planets.

Procedure cont’d Hand out printed photos of each planet to its assigned group. Students then paint paper mache spheres to look like each assigned planet. Students make labels (markers and construction paper) containing basic information they learned about their assigned planets (size, color, distance from sun, etc.). Glue labels onto planets or to a sheet of paper to keep with the planet. Have class set up their planets around the cut out sun keeping accurate proportional distances to create a 3D model of the solar system.

Closure Have time for the students to study the model (others groups planets/facts etc.).

Evaluation Each student must prepare and report an oral assignment demonstrating their understanding of the basics of the solar system and how the planets relate to one another and the sun. Short space vocabulary quiz.

Resources Explore solar system: Space coloring book: ml ml Space games: x.html x.html Explore planets: Research planets: Research planets:

Adaptations for students with Austim Focus on increasing communication with other students by providing the opportunity to work together. Keep the schedule structured, have the planet lesson planned and on time. Provide a picture schedule that shows how the lesson will go. Provide a safe area: if student becomes upset or aggravated have an area he or she may go to calm down (prevents lashing out at other students and self-injurious behavior). Provide gloves (or whatever individual student wishes to be comfortable) when dealing with paper mache and/or paint (if sensory disorder is an issue).