Transcript Planets Order, Characteristics, and Orbits

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.
State Standards
• 6-8 Earth and Space
Science/Benchmark
1 Describe
how objects in A
the solar system are in
. regular and predictable motions that explain such
phenomena as days, years, seasons, eclipses,
tides and moon cycles.
6-8 Earth
Space force is the dominant
2 • Explain
that and
gravitational
. force
determining motions
Science/Benchmark
A 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.
Assessments
• Formative Assessments
– Pre-Test
– Planetary Orbits - 1st attempt
– Group Questioning
• Summative Assessments
– Planetary Orbits - 2nd attempt
– Post-Test
Rubric for Planetary Orbits
3
Planet
Order and
Labels
Orbit
Paths
Neatness
2
Most (7)
planets are
represented in
the correct
location with
the correct
characteristics.
Most (7) paths
All paths are
are close to
close to circular
circular in
in nature and
nature and not
not equidistant
equidistant
from each
from each
other.
other.
All planets are
represented in
the correct
location with
the correct
characteristics.
All information
is legible. No
stray marks.
Most
information is
legible. No
stray marks.
1
Few (4 or less)
planets are
represented in
the correct
location with
the correct
characteristics.
Few (4 or less)
paths are close
to circular in
nature and not
equidistant
from each
other.
Little
information is
legible. Stray
marks not
interfering with
picture clarity.
0
No planets are
represented in
the correct
location with
the correct
characteristics.
No paths are
close to
circular in
nature and are
equidistant
from each
other.
Information
illegible. Stray
marks
interfering with
picture clarity.
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.
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.