Space Science ~ Lesson Plan   
              Our Solar System
     1.)  Computer Skills 
             - Navigation, Typing, Saving
     2.)  Science Knowledge
             - Space, Gravity, Planets, Technology, Earth Science 
     3.)  Research Skills
             - Looking for information in: Books, Internet, Magazines
     4.)  Vocabulary and Glossary Skills 
             - Using Online and Book Dictionaries, Technology Terms 
     5.)  CRITICAL THINKING 
             - Open-ended Questions, Inference, Cause-and-Effect 
     6.)  Comprehension and Writing
             - Mini-Quizzes, Diagrams, Personal Glossary 
     7.)  Group Teamwork 
             - Cooperation, Role-Playing, Project Presentations 
  Activate Background Knowledge ~ PRE QUIZ
  • Give written Pre Quiz with easy questions
  • Explain and Discuss background 
   knowledge of the students 
  • Start explaining some of the science terms
  • Ask “Big Question” for first time: Which 
   planet would you want to visit?
                  PRE  QUIZ  ~  Activate your knowledge!
        For lower levels, divide up the quiz in JIG-SAW style, give printed copies to 
                            groups of 3, then  students share results
              
      Think about describing words: HOT, COLD, ARID, WATERY, GAS
      1.    What do you know about our Sun?
      2.    Mercury is closest to the Sun; Do you think it’s hot there?
      3.    Earth is the third planet from the Sun. How long is our trip around 
            the sun? (Hint: how long is one year?)
      4.    Jupiter is our biggest planet; Does it have the heaviest gravity?
      5.    What do you think gravity is?
      6.    Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun; What do you think the 
            rings are made of?
      7.    Uranus is the seventh planet; If it has no land, what is it made of? 
     Next slides are Mini-Lecture #1
        ~ Introduction ~
  • Show slides to class and read
  • The Solar System is where we live
  • Earth is in our Solar System
  • Discuss any questions and ideas with a 
   partner, then join the class discussion
     Mini-Lecture given first time as power point presentation with 10 slides
                    Our Sun
      • Our Sun is in the middle 
        of our Solar System
      • It gives light and heat
      • Solar Power uses the 
        “free energy” from the 
        Sun: solar means sun
      • It is a medium-small 
        star  (it looks big because it’s 
                         close to us)