Elementary School Science

Input:
What is the most important content in this lesson?
To reach this lesson’s objective, students need to understand:

• The differences between the inner planets and the outer planets.

• The names of the inner planets and outer planets.

• The characteristics of the inner and outer planets.

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How will the learning of this content be facilitated?

Prior to the start of class, the teacher should draw two columns on the board. One column should be labeled “Inner Planets” and the other column should be labeled “Outer Planets”. The “Planet” cards should be cut out (laminated if desired) and set aside.

• The teacher should begin class by playing the game “Inner or Outer?” The teacher should hold up one of the cards and ask the students to determine if the planet is an inner planet or an outer planet.

**Because the students haven’t learned about the inner and outer planets, do not correct errors made (i.e., if the students determine Pluto is an inner planet). Keep the planets in the correct column and return to the activity once the information has been presented**

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• After the introductory activity game is done, the teacher will begin presenting the information on the Solar System. If it is possible, project each page of the teacher’s copy of the “All About the Solar System” Science Journal worksheet onto the board using a projector or put into a PowerPoint document and project.  The teacher’s copy of the journal has certain words/phrases that are bolded red and highlighted. It is important the teacher explain to the students those words/phrases are to be highlighted in their (students) journal. For this lesson, the teacher should review these pages:

• Pages 35-37: Inner Planets

** These pages review the characteristics of the inner planets and which planets are considered inner. Show the video: “Geology of Solar Terrestrial Planets- Video Learning- WizScience.com”

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG12Z4h99Ws)**

• Page 38-40: Outer Planets

**These pages review the characteristics of the outer planets and which planets are considered outer. Show the video: “The Outer Planets- Video Learning- WizScience.com”

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPfIoDBHLHo)**

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• After the game, the students will participate in the activity “What Planet am I On?” The students can work alone or in groups (no more than 3 per group). Give each student a “What Planet am I On?” worksheet. On desks throughout the room, there will be sheets that give clues as to what the planet is. Each desk will also have a “Rocket Ship” card. Each “Rocket Ship” card is a different color. The students will write the name of the rocket ship in the first column on their worksheet. The students will read through the clues and  then write the name of the planet in the column next to the corresponding rocket ship. Allow the students about 20 minutes to complete the activity.  

**The planet cards follow the lesson plan. The cards are in the same order of the planets**

 

Closure 

• The teacher should review the vocabulary words with the students.

• The teacher should revisit the “Inner or Outer?” activity and then go over the “What Planet Am I On?” activity. This can be used as a formative or summative assessment.