INSTRUCTIONAL PROJECT 4

1) Date: 04/24/23
Teacher: Navjot Dhadral

2) Lesson: Exploring the Solar System

Lesson Type: Science

3) Grade: 5th Grade

Subject: Astronomy

4)Timeline: 60 minutes
4. The lesson plan will be executed within a 60-minute class period, broken down as
follows:
 Introduction: 5 minutes
 Video or presentation: 10 minutes
 Research activity: 15 minutes
 Creating the scaled model: 20 minutes
 Group presentations: 10 minutes

5) Standards
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) 5-ESS1-2 requires students to represent data
in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day
and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. This lesson will address
this standard by teaching students about the solar system, including the relative positions of the
planets, and engaging them in creating a scaled model to represent this information graphically.

6) Instructional Objectives: The instructional objectives for this lesson are for students to-

 Identify the planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system.
 Understand the relative positions and distances of planets from the Sun.
 Create a scaled model of the solar system, demonstrating their knowledge of the solar
system's structure.
7) Materials:
Textbook: Title: "Astronomy: A Visual Guide to Our Solar System and Beyond"
Author: DK Publishing
Other Materials-
 Chart paper: Students will use chart paper to create their scaled model of the solar
system.
 Markers: Students will need markers to draw and label their scaled model.
 Rulers: Rulers will be used to measure distances between celestial bodies in the scaled
model.
 Masking tape: Masking tape will be used to secure the printed images of celestial bodies
to the chart paper.
 Printed images of the planets and other celestial bodies: Each student will receive a
printed image of a planet or celestial body to research and include in their group's scaled
model.
 String or yarn: Students will use string or yarn to represent the distances between
celestial bodies in their scaled model.

8) Introduction:
A. Begin by asking students if they've ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about
the planets, stars, and other celestial objects. This question aims to spark curiosity and
generate interest in the topic.
B. Ask students to share any knowledge or experiences they have related to astronomy or
the solar system. Encourage them to mention any books they've read, documentaries
they've watched, or visits to planetariums or observatories they've made. This will help
the teacher gauge the students' prior knowledge and create a more inclusive learning
environment.
C. Explain the learning objectives for the lesson. For this lesson, students will identify the
planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system, understand their relative positions
and distances from the Sun, and create a scaled model of the solar system.
D. Bell work: As a warm-up activity, instruct students to write down three facts they know
about the solar system. This could include the names of the planets, their order from the
Sun, or any other related information. This activity will help students activate their prior
knowledge, which can improve their ability to learn and retain new information during the
lesson.
E. Review the bell work as a class. Ask students to share their facts with the class and
discuss any common themes or misconceptions. This will provide the teacher with an
opportunity to address any misconceptions and set the stage for the lesson's content.

By the end of the introduction, students should feel engaged and curious about the topic, have a
clear understanding of the lesson's objectives, and be ready to dive into the lesson activities.
9) Instructional Activities and Procedures:
a) Begin the lesson by reviewing the bell work and discussing students' prior knowledge about
the solar system.
b) Show a video or presentation about the solar system, focusing on the planets and their
relative distances from the Sun. This will provide students with a visual understanding of the
solar system's structure.
c) Provide each student with a printed image of a planet or celestial body.
d) Divide the students into groups and assign each group a planet or celestial body to
research.
e) In their groups, students will research basic information about their assigned celestial body
(size, distance from the Sun, composition, etc.). They will use this information to create their
scaled model.
f) Once students have completed their research, they will create a scaled model of the solar
system using the chart paper, markers, rulers, masking tape, and printed images.
g) Students will present their scaled model to the class, explaining their assigned celestial body
and its place in the solar system.
10) Modifications:
Struggling Students: Pair struggling students with higher-performing peers to support their
research and understanding of the topic. This will help ensure that all students can contribute to
the group activity and learn from one another.
Advanced Students: Encourage advanced students to research additional celestial bodies, such
as dwarf planets, moons, or asteroids, and include them in the scaled model. This will provide a
more comprehensive representation of the solar system and challenge advanced students to
delve deeper into the topic.
Advanced Students: Encourage advanced students to research additional celestial bodies,
such as dwarf planets, moons, or asteroids, and include them in the scaled model. This will
provide a more comprehensive representation of the solar system and challenge advanced
students to delve deeper into the topic.

11) Evaluation and Assessment:

Formative assessment will occur throughout the lesson as the teacher circulates the classroom,
asking questions and providing guidance to ensure students understand the content and can
apply it to their scaled model. The group presentations will serve as an additional form of
assessment, as students will demonstrate their understanding of their assigned celestial body
and its place in the solar system.

Exit Ticket: Students will write a paragraph summarizing what they learned about the solar
system and the relative positions and distances of the planets from the Sun.