After researching the nine planets of our solar system and the sun, the students will be able to describe the in detail characteristics of the planets, sun, and starts of our solar system.

Objectives:

• List the planets in correct order from the closest to the sun from furthest from the sun.
• Name the characteristics of each planet as asked in the worksheet.
• Name the characteristics of the sun as asked on the worksheet.
• Name the constellation of the stars as asked in the worksheet.
• Present their model of their planet and constellation of stars.
• Work in groups and cooperate with one another as a team.

Materials:

• Internet
• Informational Books
• Pencil
• Construction paper
• Glue
• Paint
• Paint Brushes

The students will need to be aware of the materials available. Also, a trip to the library can help. Students can take out books on their planet.

Plan:

This is a unit on the Solar System. It lets the students learn characteristics of each planet, the sun, and starts. The size, distance, and features of each planet will be discussed. The students will be in groups and each group will be assigned a planet to study (Earth will be excluded). The learners will do other activities along with the research such as making models of the planets, sun, and stars.

10 minutes: Teacher hands out a picture of the Sun and nine planets and asks students to label them. This allows the teacher to see if students have had prior experience with the planet.

10 minutes: Teacher has students count off from 1-8.

• Group 1: Mercury
• Group 2: Venus
• Group 3: Mars
• Group 4: Jupiter
• Group 5: Saturn
• Group 6: Uranus
• Group 7: Neptune
• Group 8: Pluto

25 minutes: The teacher shows the students the learning centers. The teacher introduces books, videos, and posters that will help the students gather information about the planet. Also, the teacher will show the students the computer and a list of internet sites to visit to look for information. Teacher will then end class.

5 minutes: Teacher explains that the groups will have to take turns using the computer and videos.

20 minutes: Group 1 will work on the computer for 20 minutes and group 2 will watch their video for 20 minutes. The rest of the class will look at posters and read books on their planet.

20 minutes: Group 3 will work on the computer for 20 minutes and group 4 will watch their video for 20 minutes. The rest of the class will read informational books and look at posters. Class dismissed.

20 minutes: Group 5 will work on the computer and Group 6 will watch a video. The rest of the class will read informational books.

20 minutes: Group 7 will work on the computer and Group 8 will watch a video. The rest of the class will read informational books.

5 minutes: The teacher will explain the project that is to go along with worksheet. Each group will make a model of their planet using materials from the classroom and a model of a constellation of stars. Class dismissed.

20 minutes: Group 2 will use the computer and group 1 will watch their video. The teacher will hold a conference with group 5 and 6 for 10 minutes each. The other groups will continue to work.

20 minutes: Group 4 will use the computer and group 2 will watch the video. The teacher will hold conferences with group 7 and 8 for 10 minutes each. The other groups will continue to work.

5 minutes: Teacher will let groups clean up and ask if anyone has any questions. Class dismissed.

20 minutes: Group 6 will use the computer and group 5 will watch the video. The teacher will hold conferences with group 1 and 2 for 10 minutes each. The other groups will continue working on worksheets and projects.

20 minutes: Group 8 will use the computer and group 7 will watch the video. The teacher will hold conferences with group 3 and 4 for 10 minutes each. The other groups will continue working on the worksheets. Class dismissed.

10 minutes: Teacher asks students if they need to see any of the learning centers again. The teacher will work out a schedule so that the students can visit the center one last time if needed.

Teacher also introduces a power point presentation to them that will serve as an answer key to their questions.

35 minutes: Each group will get approximately 5 minutes to use power point to check their answers. The rest of the time can be used to finish up their model of the planet. Class dismissed.

5 minutes: Teacher will pass out 7 worksheets to each student. The students will be presenting the information on the planets. The students will fill out the worksheet as the information is being presented.

40 minutes: Group 1,2,3,&4 will present their information for 10 minutes each. Class dismissed.

40 minutes: Group 5, 6, 7 ,& 8 will present their information for 10 minutes or less. For the remainder of the class will review the worksheets. The teacher will answer any questions.