What sizes are the planets and how do they move around the sun?
Initial Publication Date: September 9, 2009
Summary
This is an whole class activity in which the class will physically model how the planets move around the sun. We will have balloons blown up to the size of each planet. Students will see that all the planets smallest to biggest and the distance that they are away from the sun. The students will learn about vocabulary words: solar system, revolution, rotation, and orbit.
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Learning Goals
During the lesson the students will:
Observe planets are different sizes
Observe planets are different distances from the sun
Define solar system, orbit revolution, rotation, and orbit
Observe planets are different sizes
Observe planets are different distances from the sun
Define solar system, orbit revolution, rotation, and orbit
Context for Use
This activity is for primary grades 1-2. I explain this activity indoors but it is best done outside, where there is plenty of room to move. However, it can be adapted for the classroom. I would allow about 45 minutes for this lesson since it is an abstract concept to students this age level. I do this activity for my Astronomy unit. I think this activity could be easily adaptable to almost any setting.
Description and Teaching Materials
http://www.col-ed.org/cur/sci/sci67.txt
Teaching Notes and Tips
I have the balloons ready to go before class and I have backup balloons prepped just in case. Students love going outside to do this activity.
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Assessment
I have a whole class discussion and I ask the students who think they can come up in front of class to show us what the different vocabulary words look like with their bodies. This way, students will physically demonstrate their understanding.
Standards
1. The practice of Science
1. Scientists work as individuals and in groups to investigate the natural world, emphasizing evidence and communicating with others
Benchmark 1.1.1.1: Students will be supporting their answers with observations. They will recognize that describing things as accurately as possible is important in science because it enables people to compare their observations with those of others.
2nd grade:
Physical Science
2. Motion
The motion of an object can be described by a change in its position over time.
Benchmark: 2.2.2.1.1 Describe an object's change in position relative to other objects or a background.
1. Scientists work as individuals and in groups to investigate the natural world, emphasizing evidence and communicating with others
Benchmark 1.1.1.1: Students will be supporting their answers with observations. They will recognize that describing things as accurately as possible is important in science because it enables people to compare their observations with those of others.
2nd grade:
Physical Science
2. Motion
The motion of an object can be described by a change in its position over time.
Benchmark: 2.2.2.1.1 Describe an object's change in position relative to other objects or a background.