Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
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Project Description:
To enhance the learning process in Science and to create synergy in the class directed towards education, my class worked together to develop a class Power Point Project on the Milky Way Galaxy. My students researched individual planets with partners. Then they took the information and wrote a report that included important facts on their planet. The report was typed using Microsoft Word. After that they drew colored pictures of their planet. Each pair then presented their report to the class. At the end of the unit we created Power Point projects on each planet. These reports will be viewed by parents at Open House in May.
How it works:
Lesson 1: Students learned about the Earth and its moon by exploring seasons, how the moon changes shape throughout the month and the causes of day and night. After watching videos on www.californiastreaming.org such as Our Solar System or the video Bill Nye the Science Guy: Earth s Crust and Earth Inside and Out, students gained a better understanding of the Earth and its universe.
Lesson 2: Students gained background knowledge on the planets by researching and collecting data on a specific planet with their partner to create a better understanding of the planets. They became class experts on their planet. Students then used computer sites such as www.sbceoportal.org, www.nineplanets.org, www.kidsastronomy.com and www.visibleearth.nasa.gov as key research sites. We also had the opportunity to contact the base Space Endeavor Center for more space information.
Lesson 3: Students wrote an expository report on their planet. Students then used scientific terms to describe their planet and compare it to the planet Earth.
Lesson 4: Students then typed their report using Microsoft Word.
Lesson 5: Students then drew a visual aid of their planet. They used black construction paper and pastel chalk to create their masterpiece. In addition they drew their planet using the computer program Kid Pix.
Lesson 6: Students then created a Power Point Presentation of their planet. All presentations were then placed together on a memory stick as our class project.
Assessment:
Cooperative groups created reports for each planet in the solar system. The teacher observed and guided students throughout process. Students were all assessed using the standards test in our Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Science Book. Students then made a Power Point project on each planet which will be shown to their parents at Open House in May 2009. Students grades were based on all parts of the unit process from beginning to end.
Standards: Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns. Students know Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth. Collect data in an investigation and analyze those data to develop a logical conclusion. Determine the underlying theme or author s message in fiction and nonfiction text.
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: 10 or more.
Software or Materials Used: Software used was Microsoft Word and Power Point. The internet was used to gather research on each planet as well as pictures. Students also made planets using Kid Pix. The printers were used to print hard copies of the reports and pictures. Art supplies such as construction paper, colored pencils, crayons and pastel chalk was used to draw planets.
Keywords: Tripping Through the Galaxy - Solar System Report
The Students: I grouped my students in pairs. I tried to mix the ability levels of all groups so that there was a strong student to lead. Through the project I had a few students move, so the groups had to be flexible too! The students totally got into the unit because they could be creative and explore on the internet (with guidance) and tap into their computer skills throughout the project. In addition, they liked doing a project that was not straight out of a book. They felt empowered!
Overall Value: The best feature was using being able to use the media effectively and creatively. Students were able to be innovative through their journey in data gathering and implementation. They were able to achieve a greater understand of the Solar System through non-traditional classroom methods while using their cognitive abilities. This project can be adapted for all intellectual levels and would be great for EL learners because they can put visuals with words to create a greater understanding of the subject. I also think that GATE third grade students can expand the information to be more complex at a higher level of understanding.
Subject Area: Science
Grade Levels: Grade 3
Tips for the Teacher:
