Title: Exploring Space

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Subject: Science

Virginia Standards of Learning:

4.8 The student will investigate and understand the relationships among Earth, the moon, and the sun. Key concepts include

a) the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun (including rising and setting);

b) the causes for Earth’s seasons;

c) the causes for the phases of the moon;

d) the relative size, position, age, and makeup of Earth, the moon, and the sun;

e) historical contributions in understanding the Earth-moon-sun system.

4.9 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of the planets of our solar system. Key concepts include

a) the planets in the solar system in relation to the sun;

b) the order of the planets in the solar system;

c) the relative sizes of the planets;

d) the characteristics of the planets (including the presence or absence of an atmosphere and/or moons);

e) the characteristics of the planets in relation to Earth.

Objective:

Students will be able to identify and describe the characteristics of the planets in our solar system and understand the relationship between Earth, the moon, and the sun.

Materials:

• Solar System poster or model
• Pictures of the planets
• Chart paper and markers
• Video or book about the solar system
• Worksheets for students

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Begin by asking students what they know about space and the solar system. Write their responses on chart paper. Then, show them a poster or model of the solar system and ask them to identify the planets.

1. Lesson (30 minutes)

Show a video or read a book about the solar system. Discuss the characteristics of each planet, including their size, distance from the sun, and whether they have moons or an atmosphere. Use pictures of the planets to help students visualize what they look like.

1. Activity (30 minutes)

Distribute worksheets to students and have them fill in the characteristics of each planet. Then, have them work in pairs or small groups to create a poster or model of the solar system. Encourage them to use their creativity and include labels for each planet.

1. Conclusion (10 minutes)

Have students share their posters or models with the class. Review the characteristics of each planet and discuss the relationship between Earth, the moon, and the sun. Ask students to reflect on what they learned and what they found most interesting.

Assessment:

Assess students’ understanding of the characteristics of the planets by reviewing their completed worksheets. Observe their participation in the activity and their ability to work collaboratively. Use a rubric to assess their posters or models based on accuracy, creativity, and presentation.