Grant Proposal

Solar System:
Grade 4
Elementary Group 1
Ashley Watts
Kaitlynn Eisenhart
Megan Sonday
Katy Behm
Zoe David
 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this project based learning unit is to introduce students to
the solar system through the use of hands-on experiments, research, and
technology. The students will learn about important concepts that make
up our solar system such as the planets, the moon, the sun, earth’s
rotation, constellations, comets, and meteoroids/asteroids.

By the end of this unit students will have constructed their own
knowledge on the solar system through the use of technological
resources.
 Technology Integration Rational:
● Technology-enhanced learning is used to promote critical thinking
in which students will be involved in analysis and synthesis of
information to solve problems.
● Students will use the technology to work collaboratively.
● Technology is used to support curricular goals & learning objectives.
● Technology is used to engage students with content.
● Technology focuses on creating and developing new thinking
processes.
Teaching science concepts in younger grade levels can be challenging.
Technology allows students to make connections to abstract content through
interactive and engaging resources. Differentiation can be provided via
technology to ensure accommodations for all learners. In addition, the use
of technology gives students varied opportunities to explore different forms
of media on curricular topics. The following lessons show different ways to
use technology to teach 4th grade students about the Solar System.
 The Planets
By: Katy Behm
Summary: This is a two week long project based learning activity. Students will be introduced to the solar
system and be able to identify the eight planets. Groups will be assigned a planet to research. Students will
use Google Slides to organize the planet information and present it in a way that promotes the planet. This
information will be presented to the NASA Planet Tours (classmates) to help educate their customers about the
planets they will tour.

Full Lesson: NASA Planet Tours PBL Lesson Plan

Materials:
● Padlet KWL Chart Reflection and Website Evaluations
● Seesaw Activity
● Example Planet Tour
● Student Planet Template
● Student Research Page
● Student Directions and Rubric
● Student Rough Draft Research Packet
 The sun & Earth’s rotation
By: Ashley Watts
Summary: This is a two-day lesson/experiment where students will explore what shadows look
like at different times of the day. Students will also be learn about how Earth’s orbit and rotation
affect our sun and shadows. The students will simulate the sun using a flashlight, a experiment
packet, and a “person” to observe what they see.

Full Lesson: Lesson Plan Link

Materials:
● The Sun Video
● Jamboard
● People manipulatives
● Flashlights
● Experiment Packet
● Informational Website
● Shade Map Website
● Evaluation/Reflection
 The Moon & Its Phases
By: Megan Sonday
Summary: This is a 5-7 day lesson that introduces the moon as Earth’s natural satellite. Students
then explore how the moon’s orbit creates the phases of the moon and discover how scientists
describe these phases. Students will work both independently and collaboratively throughout the
project to complete an interactive notebook, perform a hands on demonstration, and create slides as
part of a creative writing project.

Full Lesson: The Moon & Its Phases Reflection and Website Evaluations

Digital resources: Physical materials:

● Interactive Notebook
● The Moon for Kids video
● Moon 360 View
● VR Walk on the Moon
● Next Time You See the Moon
video
● Nasa Science Earth’s Moon
● Moon Phases and Lunar Calendar
● Phases of the Moon Edpuzzle
● Light Source (a lamp with the
● Moon Phases TinyTap Game
shade removed works well)
● “Long Night Moon” video
● 2 Foam balls, one smaller than the
● Native American Moon Names
other
● Full Moon Names
● Oreos
● Full Moon Creative Writing
● Spoons
Assignment Slides
● Jamboard
● Phases of the Moon Quizizz
Zoe david: Stars and Constellations

Summary: This is a week long project based learning activity. Students will learn
about constellations. They will be put into pairs to research a constellation and then
create their own constellation and myth. Students will choose from a variety of
materials to create a visual representation of both constellations and present their
information to the class.

Full Lesson: Stars and Constellations Project Lesson Plan

Materials:
● Black construction paper ● Google Suite
● Marshmallows ● Constellation Research Paper
● Spaghetti
● Constellation Research Website
● Toothpicks
● Jamboard
● White crayon
● SciShow Video
● Poster board
● Rubric
● Markers
● Chromebooks
Kaitlynn Eisenhart: Meteorites, asteroids, and comets
Summary: In this lesson students will describe the difference between asteroids, metoriods, and comets. Students
will have 10 schools days to complete this project as a group. Students will research asteroids, metoriods, or comets
then create a Wixie based on the required information. Students will educate the class with their research by
presenting their Wixie to the class.

Full Lesson: Meteorites, asteroids, and comets

Website Evaluation: Evaluation
Reflection: Personal Reflection

Materials:
-Jamboard
-Bitmoji Classrooms:
- Meteoroids
-Comets
-Asteroids
-Wixie
-Closed Read Resources:
-Group 1: Halley’s Comet
-Group 2: Asteroids
-Group 3: Meteoroids
-Group 4 Meteor