Space Quest

by
Dana Fish, Richard Loeffler, Kristie Tovar, Sandra Vasquez, Christi Wilder

Introduction | Tasks | Process | Resources | Evaluations | Conclusions | Teacher's Lessons

Introduction
You are about to embark on an exciting Space Quest. You will explore characteristics of the sun and planets in our solar system.  You will use tools such as KidPix, Kidworks2, Powerpoint, and the Internet to research and produce different space projects.  On your journey you will encounter space facts of the unknown, but remember you are mighty space voyagers who dare to go to the unknown.


Tasks

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to research one planet and answer the following questions in a Powerpoint presentation to the class. The different activities in this Space Quest will help you with your research.

· What is the name of the planet?
·  How many moons does your planet have?
· What is the  distance from the sun to your planet?
· What is the surface composition of your planet?
· Is your planet an inner or outer planet?
·  How many rings does your planet have?
· How long is a day on your planet?
· What is the temperature of your planet?
· What are some fun facts about your  planet?

PRINT OUT THIS PAGE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR SPACE QUEST.  ALL ACTIVITIES MUST BE COMPLETED AND PAGES MUST BE PRINTED OUT AND TURNED IN AT THE TIME  OF YOUR PRESENTATION. HANG ONTO YOUR SPACE HELMETS, IT WILL BE AN EXCITING RIDE!


Process

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #1
Enjoy watching your show, but keep in mind that this is part of your research.  You will need to take notes during the Powerpoint presentation on the sun and the planets.  You will need to know six interesting facts about the sun and begin collecting interesting facts about all the planets. To get ready for this activity you will need paper, pencil, and a clipboard.  At this time, spelling and punctuation in your notes is not important, what is important is writing down the facts being given to you.

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #2
Now that we have peaked your interests about the solar system, what questions do you have.  Click on LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #2 to find out how to create a KWL chart in inspiration.

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #3
Get ready to go to the hottest place in the solar system and become a star. Show your knowledge about the different characteristics of the sun in this wonderful art activity.  Click on LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #3 to find out how to create this art activity.  Don't forget your sunblock and let your knowledge shine through.
 

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #4
After you have experienced the story Postcards to the Planets with your fellow space travelers, you and your partner will choose a planet to research and become experts on.  The Intergalactic Postal Service will deliver you your assignment and call on your expertise. Click on LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #4 to find out how you will be called to duty.
 

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #5
Houston, we are ready for take off! You will now be able to go into space and explore the beauties of our solar system. Have fun battling aliens and orbiting our sun as you learn about the planets. Click on LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #5 to receive your flight plans for your journey. Print out your flight plan to guide you through your journey.  Buckle up and have a safe trip. To start the adventure click BLAST OFF.
 

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #6
Now you are ready to apply what you have learned. You are now back on the planet Earth and you are teaching a class of third graders about the planets.  You are going to compare the planets by characteristics. Click on LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #6 to find out how. Click on Solar System Tool to pull up your activity page.

LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #7
You are now ready for the ultimate challenge. You must encounter the toughest aliens of all, your classmates.  Create a Microsoft Powerpoint presentation to present your facts about your planet.  Click on LOG JOURNAL-ACTIVITY #7 to find out your guidelines.


Resources
Solar System Web sites for Kids

BBC Online - The Planets - The Solar System Guide
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/

Exploring Planets in the Classroom hands-on science
http://www.spacegrant.hawaii.edu/class_acts/index.html

Exploring the Planets - Cyber-Center
http://www.nasm.edu/ceps/SIIMAGES/

NASA KIDS - a NASA site dedicated to kids
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/

The Planets for Kids
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/fitzgerald/99/planets.htm

The Solar System in Pictures
http://www.the-solar-system.net/

Solar System
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/2683/

Star Child A Learning Center for Young Astronomers
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/

The Nine Planets
http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/billa/tnp/

Welcome to the Solar System
http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Thinktank/1050/solarframe.htm

Welcome to the Planets
http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/


Evaluations
Teacher Rubrics                        Student Rubrics





Conclusion
    I hope you had a great journey through space! You should know lots of interesting facts about our star- the sun.  You should be an expert on at least one planet as well as be able to share many facts you have learned about the others.  Now that you know where we are, feel free to visit us often to continue to be an expert in your field.

Teachers Lessons

Teacher lessons
Credits:
Background:   http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov

alien:  http://www.bio-rad.com

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