4th Grade - The Final Frontier
Driving Question: How can we, as astronomers, create a visual display of space?
Project Summary: In this scenario, students take on the role of astronomers who are studying the stars and planets and charting a hallway sized visual display of space. They will compare the similarities and differences of the various characteristics (physical size, weight, color) of stars and planets. Students will relate astrology, the Hubble Telescope, and careers to their study of the galaxy. In teams, they will create a hallway visual display.
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Focus Standards
S4E1 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, and planets.
b. Construct an argument on why some stars (including the Earth’s sun) appear to be larger or brighter than other stars.
c. Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets in the sky.
S4E2 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun as observed from Earth.
a. Develop a model to support an explanation of why the length of day and night change throughout the year.
b. Develop a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon
c. Construct an explanation of how the Earth’s orbit, with its consistent tilt, affects seasonal changes
S4E1 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, and planets.
b. Construct an argument on why some stars (including the Earth’s sun) appear to be larger or brighter than other stars.
c. Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets in the sky.
S4E2 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun as observed from Earth.
a. Develop a model to support an explanation of why the length of day and night change throughout the year.
b. Develop a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon
c. Construct an explanation of how the Earth’s orbit, with its consistent tilt, affects seasonal changes
Compare & Contrast: Stars & Planets
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 |