4th Grade PBL Unit
The Final Frontier
Project Summary: In this scenario, students take on the role of astronomers who are studying the stars and charting a hallway sized visual display of popular constellations and Milky Way Galaxy. They will compare the similarities and differences of the various constellations and star characteristics (physical size, weight, color). Students will relate astrology, the Hubble Telescope, and careers to their study of the galaxy. In teams, they will create a hallway visual display.
Focus Standards:
S4E1 Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, star patterns, and planets.
a. Recognize the physical attributes of stars in the night sky such as number, size, color, and patterns.
b. Compare the similarities and differences of planets to the stars in appearance, position, and number in the night sky.
c. Explain why the pattern of stars in a constellation stays the same, but a planet can be seen in different locations at different times.
d. Identify how technology is used to observe distant objects in the sky.
Driving Question: How can we, as astronomers, create a visual display of the stars?
Project Launch: Astrology (‘What’s your sign?’) and how they got the different star maps.
Inquiry: Building & Exploring with Telescopes
Focus Standards:
S4E1 Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, star patterns, and planets.
a. Recognize the physical attributes of stars in the night sky such as number, size, color, and patterns.
b. Compare the similarities and differences of planets to the stars in appearance, position, and number in the night sky.
c. Explain why the pattern of stars in a constellation stays the same, but a planet can be seen in different locations at different times.
d. Identify how technology is used to observe distant objects in the sky.
Driving Question: How can we, as astronomers, create a visual display of the stars?
Project Launch: Astrology (‘What’s your sign?’) and how they got the different star maps.
Inquiry: Building & Exploring with Telescopes
Higher Order Thinking: Inductive/Deductive Vocabulary
*Organize the words into groups
*Groups must have more than 2 words *Give each group a title or heading *You cannot have an “I don’t know” group *All words must go into a group *You may not use outside resources gallery walk. Gallery Walk - students to notice where other groups put their words and what headings they used Reflect/Revise - groups to get back together and revise any of their groups and words |
Products
Constellation Myths Writing & Tellagami Video Summaries
Constellation Music Compositions
Authentic Audience - Fourth Graders give 2nd grade students a guided tour through space.