Title – Planets in Motion

By – Mayra Garcia

Primary Subject – Science

Secondary Subjects – Music, Language Arts, Computers / Internet

Grade Level – 3

Suggested Time Frame:

1-2 days or 2 class periods

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Standards:

• 110.5. English Language Arts and Reading, Grade 3
  (b.3.3) Listening/speaking/audiences/oral grammar. The student speaks appropriately to different audiences for different purposes and occasions. The student is expected to:
  (C) Ask and answer relevant questions and make contributions in small or large group discussions (K-3)

• 112.5. Science, Grade 3.
  (b.3.11) Science concepts. The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials and objects in the sky. The student is expected to:
  (C) Identify the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun; and
  
  (D) Describe the characteristics of the Sun.

• 117.12. Music, Grade 3.
  (b.3.2) Creative expression/performance. The student performs a varied repertoire of music. The student is expected to:
  (A) Sing or play a classroom instrument independently or in groups.

General Goals:

• Students will learn about our solar system and its planets.
• The learner will also be able to understand solar system and scientific concepts towards the end of the lesson by creating a Photo Story about each component of the solar system.

Specific Objectives:

• The learner will understand that all planets and the sun are different and have unique characteristics.
  
• The learner will be able to identify all planets and their characteristics, including the sun.
  
• The learner will be able to recognize and organize planets in sequential and orbit order.
  
• The learner will be able to enrich their storytelling and technology abilities by using Photo Story 3 to enhance their planet knowledge.
• Due to the facts they have gained, they will be able to create a planet of their own and enhance this activity by creating a video to tell their classmates about it (in pairs).

Required Materials:

• Computer
  
• Headset with microphone
  
• Projector
  
• Internet
  
• Solar System Bulletin Board Set (bought or self-made)
  
• Solar System Stickers (bought or self-made)
  
• Stickers or pictures that allow description of characteristics of planets (cloudy, dry, dusty, etc.)
  
• Music (depending on what you like)
  
• Glow necklaces and bracelets (amount depends on the number of students in your class)
  
• Paper
  
• Laptops/Computer (2 per student)
  
• Photo Story 3 Software
  
• Scanner

Anticipatory Set:

• The Teacher will have music representing space travel to set the mood for the lesson; decorations depicting our Solar System will be displayed through out the room.
• The eight planets and the sun cardboard cutouts will be posted in order on the board.
• The lesson can begin by singing
  
  The Family of the Sun
  
  .

  Family of the Sun (Use tune of “ The Farmer in the Dell “) The family of the Sun, The family of the Sun, There are eight planets in The family of the Sun . Mercury is hot And Mercury is small. Mercury has no atmosphere. It’s just a rocky ball. Venus has thick clouds That hide what is below The air is foul, the ground is hot, It rotates very slow. We love the Earth , our home, Its oceans and its trees. We eat its food, we breathe its air, So no pollution, please. Mars is very red. It’s also dry and cold Some day you might visit Mars If you are really bold. Great Jupiter is big. We’ve studied it a lot. We found that it has sixteen moons And has a big red spot. Saturn has great rings. We wondered what they were. Now we know they’re icy rocks Which we saw as a blur. Uranus spins on its side And has a large rocky core. If we were to look inside, We might find diamonds galore. Neptune has “The Great Dark Spot” That is a grand storm. Since it’s so far away from us, We’ll need to explore some more. The family of the Sun, The family of the Sun, There are eight planets and Now our journey’s done .