Subject: The planet in the solar system
Grade Level: Grade 6
Objective:
1. Identify the 8 planets in the solar system
2. Define solar system
3. Draw and arrange the planets orderly
Learning within the curriculum:
1. The concept of gravity and its role in the solar system, as it helps students
understand how planets are held in orbit around the sun.
2. The characteristics of each planet, such as size, composition, and distance from
the sun, which connects to the objective of identifying and arranging planets based
on their characteristics.
Learning across the curriculum:
1. In Science, the topic of "The Earth's rotation and revolution" is related as it helps
students understand how the Earth fits within the solar system and its relationship
with other planets.
2. In Mathematics, the concept of "Measurement" can be connected to
understanding the distances between planets in the solar system, enhancing their
understanding of spatial relationships and scales.
Elicit:
Teaching Strategy: Discussion
Instructional Materials: None needed
Anecdote 1: "When I was a child, I would often gaze at the night sky and wonder
about the twinkling stars. One night, my father told me that those stars are part of a
bigger family called the solar system, which has 8 unique planets, each with its own
story."
Anecdote 2: "I remember visiting a planetarium during a school trip, where I learned
that the Earth is just one of the planets revolving around the sun. I was fascinated by
how each planet has different features, like rings or moons, making our solar system
a diverse and exciting place."
Engage:
Teaching Strategy: Interactive Learning
Instructional Materials: Paper and markers
Energizer 1: Planet Relay - Divide students into groups and assign each group a
planet. They must come up with a fun fact about their planet and present it to the
class.
Energizer 2: Solar System Freeze Dance - Play music and have students dance.
When the music stops, they must freeze in a position representing a planet, and
others guess which planet they are imitating.
Explore:
Activities
Activity 1: Create Your Own Planet
Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning
Materials: Art supplies (paper, colored pencils, markers)
Significance: This activity allows students to apply their understanding of planets by
creating a unique planet, reinforcing their knowledge of characteristics.
Instructions:
1. Design a new planet, considering its size, color, and any special features.
2. Write a short description of your planet, including its distance from the sun and
any moons it may have.
3. Present your planet to the class.
Rubrics:
- Creativity: 10 pts.
- Description clarity: 10 pts.
- Presentation: 10 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What is the most unique feature of your planet?
2. How does your planet compare to Earth?
3. What would you name your planet and why?
Activity 2: Solar System Model
Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning
Materials: Recyclable materials (bottles, cardboard, etc.)
Significance: Building a model helps students visualize the solar system's layout
and scale.
Instructions:
1. In groups, create a scale model of the solar system using recyclable materials.
2. Arrange the planets in order from the sun, ensuring the distances are
proportionate.
3. Present your model to the class, explaining the placement of each planet.
Rubrics:
- Accuracy of placement: 10 pts.
- Creativity in materials used: 10 pts.
- Teamwork: 10 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. How did you determine the distances between the planets in your model?
2. What challenges did you face while creating the model?
3. How does your model help to understand the solar system better?
Explain:
The solar system is a vast region that consists of the sun and all the celestial bodies
that orbit it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Understanding the
characteristics and arrangement of the planets helps students recognize the diversity
and complexity of our solar system. Key concepts include the gravitational pull of the
sun, which keeps the planets in orbit, and the unique features of each planet that
contribute to their individual identities.
Elaborate:
Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-Based Learning
1. Task: Research a specific planet and prepare a short report on its unique features
and any recent discoveries.
2. Task: Create a short skit or presentation that illustrates the journey of a spaceship
traveling through the solar system.
Discussion: Reflect on how the planets interact with each other and the sun,
discussing gravitational effects and the significance of each planet's features.
Evaluate:
Teaching Strategy: Formative Assessment
Questions:
1. What defines a planet in our solar system?
2. Name the planets in order from the sun.
3. What is the role of the sun in the solar system?
For Higher Order Thinking Skills:
Questions:
1. How would life differ on a planet like Mars compared to Earth?
2. If you were to discover a new planet, what characteristics would you look for to
determine if it could support life?
3. Why do you think Pluto was reclassified as a "dwarf planet"?
Answers:
1. Life would differ greatly due to Mars' thinner atmosphere and harsher conditions,
making it less hospitable than Earth.
2. I would look for signs of water, suitable temperatures, and an atmosphere that
could support life as we know it.
3. Pluto was reclassified because it does not clear its orbit of other debris, which is
one of the criteria for being considered a planet.
Extend:
Teaching Strategy: Contextualized Learning
Instructional Materials: None needed
Usecase 1: Students could create a presentation on how the solar system
influences our daily lives, such as the impact of the moon on tides.
Usecase 2: Students could participate in a community project that involves
stargazing nights, where they share their knowledge of the solar system with family
and friends, reinforcing their learning through teaching others.
Assignment:
1. Write a short essay about your favorite planet, including its characteristics, any
missions that have explored it, and why you find it interesting. Present your essay in
class.
