Check out how we are learning about the solar system!

1. Soaring Through the solar system Teaching Critical Thinking Strategies in the Classroom through Aesthetic Experiences

2. Objectives Students will discuss and know the planets in our solar system and some of their characteristics. Students will create a brochure to persuade their classmates to visit their chosen planet using a collection of materials. Students will explore the phases of the moon. Students will create a diagram of the phase of the moon. Students will explore rotation and revolution as they relate to the earth and sun. Students will know key vocabulary of our solar system. Students will research a specific planet of our solar system using the internet and books. Students will view pictures of the solar system from the collection of solar system artwork.

3. Students are listening to me read the book(Magic School Bus Lost in Space)

4. Students viewing the art slideshow from the website: http://www.artsconnected.org/collection/102649/the-solar-system#(1)

5. Students Brainstormed things that they knew about the solar system

6. Student USED CRAYONS AND PAPER TO CREATE THE PHASE OF THE MOON ACTIVITY.

7. Students act out the rotation and revolution of the earth WITH THE HELP OF DIFFERENT SIZE BALLS FOR PROPS

8. USING THE INTERNET Students worked on computers researching their planets. (Students filled out their packet of information on their planet with the information that they found on the websites)

9. Examples of Planet brochures

10. In the final project Students work on creating their own brochures with a partner. They used markers, crayons, and paper to persuade their classmates to pick their planet for an “out of this world” vacation.

11. Finished Brochures Students researched a specific planet that they chose. Students then created a brochure that their peers could read. Students created brochures that would persuade their peers to visit the planet that they felt was their favorite. Students added specific information about their planet and wonderful illustrations.

12. Example of rubric that I designed to determine if my students meet their learning goals during this unit.

13. Final thoughts… I loved to complete this solar system unit with my students. The solar system is very interesting to students. It is also interesting and enjoyable to teach this unit, because the kids are actively involved throughout the entire unit. They loved this unit because there is a lot of art incorporated into it. Students enjoyed role playing and creating visual art. They really liked watching the art show that I started off this unit with. The arts is a big part of our school. I hope to continue to use the arts in all areas of my curriculum.

14. Come Along and soar off to space with miss Schultz’s 3rd graders