5th Graders
Journey into Space
Mr. V. Johnson, 4th/5th Grade Teacher
Ms. K. Patterson, Library/Media Specialist
Spring 2015
Standards
Science
Common Core
Library/Media
2.0 – Earth/Space Science
CC.5.R.I.7 - Integration of Knowledge and
Ideas
1.1.4 – Find, evaluate, and select appropriate
sources to answer questions.
2.D.1 – Identify and compare properties,
location and movement of celestial objects
in our solar system.
Draw information from multiple print or
digital sources, demonstrating the ability to
locate an answer to a question quickly or to
solve a problem efficiently.
1.1.6 – Read, view, and listen for information
presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual,
media, digital) in order to make inferences
and gather meaning.
2.D.1.b – Identify the properties of the
planet Earth that make it possible for the
survival of life as we know it:
- temperature
- location
- presence of an atmosphere
- presence of water (solid, liquid, and gas)
CC.5.R.I.9 – Integration of Knowledge and
Ideas
2.1.2 – Organize knowledge so that it is
useful.
2.D.1.c – Compare the properties of at least
one other planet in our solar system to those
of Earth to determine if it could support life
as we know it.
Integrate information from several texts on
the same topic in order to write or speak
about the subject knowledgeably.
2.1.3 – Use strategies to draw conclusions
from information and apply knowledge to
curricular area, real-world situations and
further investigations.
Introduction
Recently in Science, you have learned about the solar system.
Therefore, as a culminating activity, you will research in depth the various
planets and their relation with the sun. While conducting your research, you
will begin to gather information and use that information to think of a planet
that you could create and explain the physical features of your planet, the
location of your planet as it relates to the sun and identify if living things could
survive there.
So get ready to blast off to a fun and exciting adventure in exploring
our solar system!!!!!
Tasks
Because you are in the 5th grade, space travel has not been offered to you as
of yet but we know that one day that can change. Until then, you will have to use
your imagination for this space travel.
You are being hired by NASA as a junior astronaut to go on a space mission
to study the planets in our solar system. Some questions you may want to think about
as you are conducting your space mission:

How do scientist believe that our solar system was formed?
 What is the order of the planets according to their distance from the sun?
 What are the three characteristics needed to be labeled as a planet?
 Based on the information above, how many planets are in our solar system?
 Identify the stats for each planet you visit (size, temperature, etc).
So, let’s embark on a simulated space adventure and collect as much data
and information as possible in order to write a report and create a visual project
of the solar system. You will also present your findings orally to the class.
Process
Earth
Sun
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Use the links provided to gather information about each of the nine
planets in our solar system. Click on images to access TSS databases (remember
to use your student id number as your username and your first name is the
password). After collecting the information, write a report for each of the
planets, including images and then design an imaginary planet. Name your
imaginary planet, identify the size/color of your planet, the location of your
planet as it relates to the sun, identify if your planet will have living things/nonliving things on it and tell what they are. If your planet has living things, please
identify how they will survive.
You can use the Space Adventure template as a guide for your written
report (do not submit this as your written report).
Evaluation
Needs
Improvement
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Visual
Project
• Little attempt to use
color, design and space.
• Project appearance is
sloppy.
• Planets are not in the
correct order.
• Adequate use of color,
design and space.
• Appearance somewhat
meets the expectations.
• Planets are somewhat
arranged accordingly.
• Great use of color,
design and space.
• Appearance is
appropriate and meets
expectations.
• Planets are arranged
accordingly.
• Outstanding use of
color, design and space.
• Appearance of the
project is above
expectations.
• Planets are arranged
accordingly.
Written
Project
• No details to support the
topic.
• Information is not
accurate.
• Information does not
support the visual
project.
• A lot of grammatical
errors.
• Illustrations do not
support topic.
• Most details to support the
topic.
• Information is lacking.
• Frequent grammatical
errors.
• Few illustrations to
support the topic.
• Appropriate details to
support the topic.
• Accurate information
for almost all topic.
• Most illustrations
complement purpose
the visual.
• Mostly free of
grammatical errors.
• Most illustrations
complement the topic.
• Details are above and
beyond the required
topic and supports the
topic.
• Information is accurate
and detailed.
• Free from grammatical
errors.
• All illustrations
complement purpose
the visual.
Oral
Presentation
• Presenter does not
engage the audience.
• Words are not clear or
incorrectly pronounced.
• Presenter reads from the
paper.
• Presenter engages the
audience.
• Words are clear and the
presenter makes some eye
contact.
• Sometimes the presenter
reads from the paper.
• Presenter engages the
audience.
• Words are clear and
makes frequent eye
contact .
• Presenter does not
read from the slide.
• Presenter goes above
and beyond to engage
the audience.
• Maintains consistent
eye contact with the
audience throughout
the presentation.
• Presenter does not read
from the slide.
Conclusion
•
Now that you have conducted your research on the various planets, which planets
did you find most interesting? Explain why.
•
What are your thoughts about doing this research project?
•
How can this research project be improved?
Ideas for Mobile and Dioramas
Examples:
Mobile
Planets
Examples:
Space
Dioramas
References
Below are a list of resources you can use to help you gather information. The books and
encyclopedias are located in the library behind the circulation desk. You can visit the library
before or afterschool. Remember to use the databases on TSS.
https://www.bcpss.org/webapps/login/?action=relogin
www.enchantedlearning.com
www.kidsastronomy.com
www.nineplanets.org
www.science.nationalgeographic.com
www.universetoday.com
DK Eyewitness Books
World Book Encyclopedias
World Book Solar System & Space Exploration Library
World Book Student Discovery Science Encyclopedias
Images from Pinterest.com