#3741. The Solar System

Science, level: Elementary
Posted Tue Apr 18 17:09:11 PDT 2006 by Christina Rygiol (casimon@hotmail.com).
Harbour View, Huntington Beach, CA
Materials Required: power point (if available), art supplies to create a diorama. Shoe box, styrofoam balls, glue, etc.
Activity Time: should be spread over two days

California Content Standard
Earth Science 4d: Students know that Earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun and that the Moon orbits the Earth.

Rationale:
This lesson is designed to introduce the planets of the solar system to students in the 3rd grade level. There are various activities that will be implemented encouraging student's memorization and basic concepts of each planet.
Objectives:
The students will be able to name the planets of the solar system in order from the Sun to Pluto. They will be able to recognize the planets by pictures shown in class, and be able to report 3 basic facts of each planet when questioned. Performance Indicator: The students will write a 1 page report on a planet of their selection, and as an extension activity the students will create a diorama of the solar system using a shoe box and various sizes of Styrofoam balls. After completion, and evaluation of reports, students will share them with the class.
Lesson Activities
Time Allowance Teacher Student Response
2 min. Greet the Class: preparing the students for learning Students get seated and prepare for note taking
3 min. Introductory Questions: Ask students to list names of planets they know Answer Question
5 min. Starting with the Sun: draw solar system on board and have students copy diagram copy diagram
25 min. Power Point presentation on Solar System Students take notes
5 min. Explain that students will choose 1 planet and write a 2 page report on it Students choose planet
5 min. Give web sites to students that relate to solar system Students copy for later use