Earth: A Planet and Its
Friends
By: Alex, Kristin, Laura
and Riyo
Illinois Learning Standard
• Science
GOAL 12 - STAGE D (Grades 3-5)
Understand the fundamental concepts,
principles and interconnections of the life,
physical and earth/space sciences
Objectives – Students will be able to…
• Recall the nine planets and list them in order starting
with the planet closest to the sun
• Recall two facts about each of the nine planets
• Distinguish between asteroids, meteoroids, stars and
comets
• List the diameter of the earth and the distance from the
sun
• Describe key characteristics of the sun
Definitions
• Comet = bright heavenly body that
develops a cloudy tail as it moves in an
orbit around the sun
• Asteroid = one of thousands of small
planets between Mars and Jupiter
• Astronomy = the science of the heavenly
bodies and of their sizes, motions, and
composition
• Planet = heavenly body other than a
comet, asteroid, or satellite that travels in
orbit around the sun
Definitions found at www.wordcentral.com
Definitions
• Orbit = the path taken by one body circling
around another body
• Solar system = a star with the group of heavenly
bodies that revolve around it
• Satellite = a heavenly body orbiting another of
larger size
• Galaxy = one of billions of systems of stars, gas,
and dust that make up the universe
Definitions found at www.wordcentral.com
Accommodations
• Incorporate small group activities
• Give guided notes/outlines
• Dictate questions and answers for a test
orally
• Use a peer buddy system
• Give extra time for completing homework
and tests
More Accommodations
Use a word bank on the worksheets and
tests
Use books on tape
Preferred seating
Use mnemonic devices
Use computer for writing assignments
Modifications
Test on main points only
Accept keyword responses instead of
complete sentences
Test on only half the vocabulary words
Have a fewer number of questions on
homework
Accept short writing assignments in place
of essays
Teacher Resources
Book: Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy
by: Stephen M. Pompea
$29.95
DVD: Cosmic Voyage
by: IMAX
$29.95
Visual: Large Inflatable Solar System
by: Ward’s Nature Science
$36.95
Book: Solar System Teacher’s A-Z Resource Guide
by: Ward’s Nature Science
$14.95
CD-ROM: Solar System on CD-ROM
by: Software
$17.99
Tips for Parents
Read books on the solar system with your
children
Take your children to a local planetarium
Look at the stars at night and locate them
with a star map
Subscribe to a space magazine for kids
Send the child to space camp
Research Findings
• McCann, W. S., & Sherman W. (2000).
Science classrooms for students with
special needs. Eric digests. Retrieved
from: http://ericfacility.net/databases/ERI
C_Digests/ed433185.html.
This article touches upon effective inclusive climates,
special needs within the science classroom, the
preparation of an inclusive classroom, suggestions for
adapting curriculum and assessment , and teachers’
attitudes towards inclusion.
Research Findings
• Haskell, D. H. (n. d.) Building bridges between
science and special education: inclusion in the
science classroom. Retrieved October 18th,
2004 from the University of Nevada, Reno
website:
http://unr.edu/homepage/crowther/ejse/hask
ell.html.
This article speaks of the importance of the science
teacher’s role in providing for the diverse needs of
students and the importance of the collaboration
between science and special education teachers.
Research Findings
• Scruggs, T. E. (2004). Science for students with
disabilities. Retrieved October 118th from the
U.S. Department of Education website:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/progs/m
athscience/scruggs.html.
This article describes how science education is
beneficial for students with disabilities and how it helps
students with disabilities.
Organizations/Agencies
•
•
•
•
Astronomical Society
National Space Science Data Center
Kennedy Space Center
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Assistive Technology
• Adaptive computer software for viewing Solar
System CD-ROMS
• Books on tape
• Electronic dictionary
• Software for enlarging fonts on a computer
screen
• Tape recorder for recording
lectures
NASA for Kids!!!
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/index.html
This website contains space games, stories and
activities that a student could either do at home
or in the computer lab at school. They are easy
to follow, and they are both informative and fun.
Government-Recommended
Space Sites for KIDS
http://www.kids.gov/k_space.htm
This site contains many links to other
governmental, educational, commercial and
organizational sites having to do with space. All
the linked sites are aimed at kids.
Have a Planet Project Due Soon?
http://www.spaceday.org/conmgmt/index.php?op
tion=displaypage&Itemid=50&op=page&SubMen
u=
Contains numerous suggestions for activities a
student can use for their project on the planets
or universe in general. Students can also keep
up to date on facts, current events, and view
photos on the website.
Now, to infinity and beyond…3…2…1…
BLAST OFF!!!!!
THE
END