Learning Experience/Unit
Mission: Outer Space by St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES
Course, Subject
Science, Math, Science & Technology
Grade Levels
Intermediate, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Duration
Day 1-2: 40 min in classroom Days 3-5 : 40 min each in library Days 6-8: 40 min each in computer lab Days 9-12:.40 min each in classroom
Learning Context/ Introduction
"MISSION: OUTER SPACE" is an ELA/Technololgy project that stems from interest my students expressed in the topic astronomy after having read the science fiction novel, The Green Book, by Jill Paton Walsh, in reading class.Teams of students will research a nonfiction topic of interest in the area of astronomy, then create and present a PowerPoint presentation to the class. *Prerequisite: Students should have prior knowledge of creating a PowerPoint slideshow.
Essential Question
Why is it important to be able to work with a team?
Procedure
Day 1
1. TSW view a short PowerPoint slide show created by the teacher to pique students’ interest in a variety of astronomy topics (comets, asteroids, space spinoffs, etc).
2. TSW complete a survey indicating which of the previewed topics they would be most interested in learning more about. TTW divide the class into teams of 3 based on student interest as indicated on the survey.
Day 2:
1. TTW introduce the project by distributing the requirements sheet and the assessment rubric. The class will preview and discuss the sheets. The teacher will answer any questions students might have.
2. TSW meet with their teams to brainstorm a list of at least 10 quality questions they would like to have answered about their assigned topics through their research. The teacher must approve the team’s questions before the group may move on to the next step.
Day 3-5:
1. Using the sixth grade astronomy text, the AAK Library class research hotlist of astronomy sites compiled by the school librarian, and online encyclopedias, teams will complete their research, answering as many as the team’s inquiry questions as possible, as well as any other important information they may discover. The text and at least 2 of the recommended online sources must be used.
2. 3-4 photographs, illustrations, charts and/or graphs must also be found within the recommended sources.
Days 6-8 3 The teams will organize their information and graphics into a well-sequenced PowerPoint Presentation that includes the following: a. A title and author slide b. 14-20 information slides c. 3-4 graphics slides d. A works cited slide organized in the MLA format
4.Teams will revise and edit the slide show as is needed. Complete, age appropriate sentences, and correct spelling, grammar and mechanics should be addressed.
Day 9:
1. Team will divide the slide show into equal parts for read aloud during the presentation. Each member should rehearse his/her section for correct pronunciation and appropriate speed, volume, and expression.
Days 10-11
1. Teams will present their PowerPoint slide shows to the class on their assigned dates.
2. The teacher will use the attached rubric to assess each team’s performance.
Day 12:
1. Individual students will complete the attached team and self-assessment survey.
Student Work
Final Project--see attached
Assessment
Project 1 Rubric--see attached
Mission out space rubric.doc
Instructional and Environmental Modifications
- A teacher's aide may be needed to assist Resource Room and/or Special Education students as they progress through the project.
- Computer Lab
- School library
Related Resource
Books worksheets articles **note websites on step 4 Science explorer: astronomy. (2009). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.
