Beacon Lesson Plan Library
The Solar System
Kathy Peters
Bay District Schools
Description
This lesson is a follow-up to a unit on the Solar System. Students select one aspect of the Solar System to research. From information gleaned, students write expository reports and participate in the development of a multimedia presentation.
Standards
Florida Sunshine State Standards
LA.A.2.2.8
The student selects and uses a variety of appropriate reference materials, including multiple representations of information, such as maps, charts, and photos, to gather information for research projects.
LA.B.2.2.6
The student creates expository responses in which ideas and details follow an organizational pattern and are relevant to the purpose.
Florida Process Standards
Information Managers
01 Florida students locate, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, maintain, and apply information, concepts, and ideas found in literature, the arts, symbols, recordings, video and other graphic displays, and computer files in order to perform tasks and/or for enjoyment.
Effective Communicators
02 Florida students communicate in English and other languages using information, concepts, prose, symbols, reports, audio and video recordings, speeches, graphic displays, and computer-based programs.
Critical and Creative Thinkers
04 Florida students use creative thinking skills to generate new ideas, make the best decision, recognize and solve problems through reasoning, interpret symbolic data, and develop efficient techniques for lifelong learning.
NETS for Students
3.1
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
3.2
Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.
5.1
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
Materials
- Multimedia Computers
- Printers
- Scanner
- Software such as Accelerated Readers Testing Materials
- Software such as:
Microsoft Encarta
Microsoft Explorapedia: World of Nature
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Write
- Internet access
- A Science Textbook such as Discover The Wonder. Grade 4, Scott Foresman, Ch. 1, 2, 3
Preparations
1. Be aware of the requirements of expository writing and address these elements with students prior to the lesson.
2. Ensure the writing checklist and rubric are understood by the students before actual writing takes place. (See Attached File.)
3. Become familiar with PowerPoint and all other software titles.
4. The multimedia presentation involves scanning pictures from various sources into the presentation. Have access to a scanner and the skills necessary to teach students to use a scanner.
5. Project checklist needs to be copied for all students. (See Attached File.)
6. Writing rubric needs to be copied for all students. (See Attached File.)
Procedures
1. Following a unit on the Solar System, students select one aspect to research.
2. Students begin researching topics through resources such as, Accelerated Reader, informational software, the Internet, and a science text.
3. Students develop expository reports from information gleaned from research. Distribute copies of the checklist (see Attached File) for students to use as they write their reports and design their presentation.
4. From reports, students develop power statements they can make concerning their field of expertise and incorporate these statements into a PowerPoint Presentation.
5. Students design or locate powerful graphics to accompany their frames of the presentation and scan the images into PowerPoint.
Assessments
Use the rubric (see Attached File )to assess the students' expository reports and participation in preparing a multimedia presentation.
Circulate and formatively assess students as they use the technology tools. Provide assistance for students who are experiencing difficulty and monitor accordingly.
Web Links
Web supplement for The Solar System NASA Solar System Exploration
|