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 Author: PAUL GRIPPER
 Date Created: 6/21/2006 10:42:00 AM EDT
 
Classifying Planets
VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
Science

Grade/Level:
7-12

Time Required:
2 hours in-class

Objective(s):
Objective SC.7.4.1 : demonstrate an understanding of the interconnections of biological, earth and space and physical science ...

SC.8.4.1 demonstrate an understanding of the interconnections of biological, earth and space, and physical science concepts

SC.8.4.32 : diagram the motions of the Sun, Moon and Earth and explain the phenomena associated with these motions (e.g., glacial periods, eclipses, tides, meteor showers).

SC.9.4.39 : interpret topographic maps, weather maps and charts, and astronomical models such as solar systems, galaxies, constellations, stellar types and stellar evolution.

AES.4.24 : investigate the solar system including origin theories, comparing and contrasting the planets, planetary motions, and other celestial bodies.

Summary:
After an introduction to the universe using VRML model and an activity that reinforces classification skills, students are challenged to "mine" the internet to discover characteristics of planets that might be used to classify them. Students present their classification systems to their "scientific community" using Powerpoint.

IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Activities:
1. Class Act
 
 
2. Solar System Quest
 


Resources and Unit Handouts:
 
STANDARDS
Standards compiled from learning activities:
WV- West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives
• Subject Science
• Grade or Course Seventh Grade
• Standard Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate understanding about scientific inquiry; and
 Objective SC.7.2.1 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
 Objective SC.7.2.3 examine the role of skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning and creativity in investigating the observable universe.
 Objective SC.7.2.8 use appropriate technology solutions to gather data; graph data; interpret data; and analyze information.
 Objective SC.7.2.9 use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data.
 Objective SC.7.2.2 formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
 Objective SC.7.2.7construct and use charts, graphs and tables to organize, display, interpret, analyze and explain data.
• Standard Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate the ability to identify, construct, test, analyze and evaluate systems, models, and changes; and
 Objective SC.7.3.1 compare and contrast the relationship between the parts of a system to the whole system (e.g., take apart or build mechanical, electrical or biological systems).
• Standard Standard 4: Science Subject Matter/Concepts (SC.S.4)
Students will:
 Objective SC.7.4.33 compare the characteristics of the members of our solar system.
• Standard Standard 5: Scientific Design and Application (SC.S.5)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate the ability to utilize technology to gather data and communicate designs, results and conclusions.
 Objective SC.7.5.1 make and compare different proposed solutions to an identified problem in light of specified criteria.
• Grade or Course Eighth Grade
• Standard Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate understanding about scientific inquiry; and
 Detail demonstrate the ability to think and act as scientists by engaging in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities a minimum of 50% of the instructional time.
 Objective SC.8.2.1 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
 Objective SC.8.2.2 formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
 Objective SC.8.2.3 apply skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning and creativity in investigating the observable universe.
 Objective SC.8.2.7 construct and use charts, graphs and tables to organize, display, interpret, analyze and explain data.
 Objective SC.8.2.8 use appropriate technology solutions to gather, graph and interpret data and analyze information.
 Objective SC.8.2.9 use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data.
• Standard Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate an understanding of interdependent themes present in the natural and designed world (e.g., systems, order and organization; evidence, models and explanation; constancy, change and measurement; equilibrium and evolution; form and function);
 Detail demonstrate the ability to identify, construct, test, analyze and evaluate systems, models, and changes; and
 Objective SC.8.3.1 compare and contrast the relationship between the parts of a system to the whole system (e.g., take apart or build mechanical, electrical, or biological systems).
• Standard Standard 4: Science Subject Matter/Concepts (SC.S.4)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate knowledge, understanding and applications of scientific facts, concepts, principles, theories and models as delineated in the objectives;
 Objective SC.8.4.33 compare and contrast the orbits of planets and comets.
• Standard Standard 5: Scientific Design and Application (SC.S.5)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate the ability to utilize technology to gather data and communicate designs, results and conclusions.
• Grade or Course Ninth Grade
• Standard Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate the abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry;
 Detail demonstrate the ability to think and act as scientists by engaging in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities a minimum of 50% of the instructional time.
 Objective SC.9.2.6 use appropriate technology solutions (e.g., computer, CBL, probe interfaces, software) to measure and collect data; interpret data; analyze and/or report data; interact with simulations; conduct research; and to present and communicate conclusions.
 Objective SC.9.2.7 demonstrate science processes within a problem solving setting (e.g., observing, measuring, calculating, communicating, comparing, ordering, categorizing, classifying, relating, hypothesizing, predicting, inferring, considering alternatives and applying).
• Standard Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate the ability to identify, construct, test, analyze and evaluate systems, models, and changes; and
 Detail demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions about and predict changes in natural and designed systems.
 Objective SC.9.3.1 analyze systems to understand the natural and designed world; use systems analysis to make predictions about behaviors in systems; recognize order in units of matter, objects or events.
• Standard Standard 4: Science Subject Matter/Concepts
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate knowledge, understanding and applications of scientific facts, concepts, principles, theories and models as delineated in the objectives;
 Objective SC.9.4.39 interpret topographic maps, weather maps and charts, and astronomical models such as solar systems, galaxies, constellations, stellar types and stellar evolution.

USA- ISTE: National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for All Teachers
copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.
• Standard IIPlanning And Designing Learning Environments and Experiences.
Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology
 Performance Indicator ADesign developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
 Performance Indicator EPlan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.

USA- ISTE: Profiles for Technology Literate Students (includes NETS for Students)
• Grade Grades 9-12

Numbers in parentheses following each performance indicator refer to the standards category to which the performance is linked. The categories are:
1. Basic operations and concepts
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
3. Technology productivity tools
4. Technology communications tools
5. Technology research tools
6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Reprinted from National Educational Technology Standards for Students - Connecting Curriculum and Technology, copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.

 Performance Objective 2Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services. (1, 2)
 Performance Objective 7Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity. (4, 5, 6)
 Performance Objective 8Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning. (4, 5)
 Performance Objective 10Collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to a content-related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information, models, and other creative works. (4, 5, 6)

USA- 21st Century Skills Guidelines
• Content and Skill Area INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) LITERACY: Technology has become an essential tool for the realization of learning and thinking skills in today’s knowledge economy. Key elements of ICT Literacy include use of ICT in service of:
 Skill Information and media literacy skills. Analyzing, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating and creating information in a variety of forms and media. Understanding the role of media in society.