SOARING THROUGH THE

SOLAR SYSTEMTeaching Critical Thinking

Strategies in the Classroom through Aesthetic Experiences

OBJECTIVES Students will discuss and know the

planets in our solar system and some of their characteristics.

Students will create a brochure to persuade their classmates to visit their chosen planet using a collection of materials.

Students will explore the phases of the moon.

Students will create a diagram of the phase of the moon.

Students will explore rotation and revolution as they relate to the earth and sun.

Students will know key vocabulary of our solar system.

Students will research a specific planet of our solar system using the internet and books.

Students will view pictures of the solar system from the collection of solar system artwork.

STUDENTS ARE LISTENING TO ME READ THE BOOK

(MAGIC SCHOOL BUS LOST IN SPACE)

STUDENTS VIEWING THE ART SLIDESHOW FROM THE WEBSITE:

HTTP://WWW.ARTSCONNECTED.ORG/COLLECTION/102649/THE-SOLAR-SYSTEM#(1)

STUDENTS BRAINSTORMED

THINGS THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT THE

SOLAR SYSTEM

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STUDENT USED CRAYONS AND PAPER TO CREATE THE PHASE OF THE MOON

ACTIVITY.

STUDENTS ACT OUT THE ROTATION AND REVOLUTION OF THE EARTH WITH THE HELP

OF DIFFERENT SIZE BALLS FOR PROPS

USING THE INTERNET STUDENTS WORKED ON COMPUTERS RESEARCHING THEIR

PLANETS. (STUDENTS FILLED OUT THEIR PACKET OF INFORMATION ON THEIR PLANET WITH THE INFORMATION THAT THEY FOUND ON THE WEBSITES)

EXAMPLES OF PLANET

BROCHURES

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IN THE FINAL PROJECT STUDENTS WORK ON CREATING THEIR OWN BROCHURES WITH A

PARTNER. THEY USED MARKERS, CRAYONS, AND PAPER TO PERSUADE THEIR CLASSMATES TO PICK

THEIR PLANET FOR AN “OUT OF THIS WORLD” VACATION.

FINISHED BROCHURESStudents researched a specific

planet that they chose. Students then created a brochure that their peers could read. Students created

brochures that would persuade their peers to visit the planet that they felt was their favorite. Students

added specific information about their planet and wonderful

illustrations.

Click icon to add picture

EXAMPLE OF RUBRIC THAT I DESIGNED TO DETERMINE IF MY STUDENTS MEET THEIR

LEARNING GOALS DURING THIS UNIT.

Topic 2 Below Expectation

s 1

Basic 2 Excellent 3

Proficient 4

Total

Participated in class discussions

Phases of the moon activity

Participated in role play activity

Developed a brochure that persuaded their classmates

Turned in all work on time

FINAL THOUGHTS… I loved to complete this solar system unit with my students. The solar system is very interesting to students. It is also interesting and enjoyable to teach this unit, because the kids are actively involved throughout

the entire unit. They loved this unit because there is a lot of art incorporated into it.

Students enjoyed role playing and creating visual art. They really liked watching the art

show that I started off this unit with. The arts is a big part of our school. I hope to

continue to use the arts in all areas of my curriculum.

COME ALONG AND SOAR OFF TO SPACE WITH MISS SCHULTZ’S 3RD

GRADERS