Solar System Explorers: From Questions to Discoveries

Logline:

Join students on an interplanetary journey that transitions them from basic inquiries about our solar system to remarkable discoveries and creative exploration, igniting a deeper curiosity for space.

Synopsis:

Students will explore the marvels of the solar system using the "What? to Wow!" framework. They will leverage their curiosity to formulate essential questions about planets, moons, and other celestial entities, subsequently expanding their knowledge through interactive activities and creative thinking. By the end of the lesson, students will not only possess a robust understanding of solar system facts but will also produce imaginative projects reflecting their newly acquired knowledge and curiosity.

Lesson Activity:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Start with a brief overview of the solar system, emphasizing the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Pose the following questions to the class:

• "What is the most captivating fact you know about the solar system?"
• "What is something you wish you were aware of?"

What? to Wow! Activity (40 minutes):

1. What?: Identify the main components of our solar system.
   • Action: Construct a basic model of the solar system using everyday objects (e.g., balls for planets, strings for orbits).
   • Tip: Remember that each planet has unique traits like size, color, and orbit.
   • Deeper Learning: Explore the differences between rocky planets and gas giants, and discuss the habitable zone.
2. Who?: Recognize key figures in the discovery and study of the solar system.
   • Action: Research an astronomer (e.g., Galileo, Copernicus, Hubble) and share an intriguing fact about their contributions.
   • Tip: The evolution of telescopes has transformed our understanding of space.
   • Deeper Learning: Discuss how modern technology (like the Hubble Space Telescope) enhances our knowledge.
3. When?: Investigate when the planets formed.
   • Action: Create a timeline illustrating the solar system's formation from the Big Bang to today.
   • Tip: The solar system is about 4.6 billion years old.
   • Deeper Learning: Compare the ages of different celestial bodies and discuss planetary formation.
4. Where?: Determine the locations of various planets in the solar system.
   • Action: Use a scale model or digital tool to position planets relative to the Sun.
   • Tip: Distances in space can be overwhelming.
   • Deeper Learning: Discuss light-years and how distances are measured in space.
5. How?: Examine the motion of planets and other celestial bodies.
   • Action: Simulate planetary orbits through a circular motion activity.
   • Tip: Gravity is the force maintaining planetary orbits around the Sun.
   • Deeper Learning: Explain Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and their significance.
6. Why?: Reflect on the importance of studying the solar system.
   • Action: Engage in a debate about the significance of space exploration for humanity.
   • Tip: Understanding our solar system sheds light on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere.
   • Deeper Learning: Discuss missions like Voyager, Mars rovers, and the implications of human missions to Mars.
7. Huh?: Identify the intriguing mysteries of the solar system.
   • Action: List three questions about the solar system that remain unanswered.
   • Tip: Many questions linger, such as the existence of Planet Nine or the possibility of life on Europa.
   • Deeper Learning: Encourage students to track ongoing space missions and discoveries via NASA’s website or other scientific resources.
8. Wow!: Share the most surprising fact learned about the solar system.
   • Action: Create a project (poster, digital presentation, or short video) that highlights the most astonishing fact or discovery.
   • Tip: Use visuals and explanations to engage your audience.
   • Deeper Learning: Present projects to the class, fostering discussions about what was most fascinating and why.

Challenge (20 minutes):

Students will devise their own mission to a chosen planet or moon. They should determine their objectives, the equipment needed, and how their discoveries could enhance our understanding of the solar system.

Presentation: Students will present their mission plans to the class, encouraging questions and discussions about their feasibility and potential findings.

Wrap-Up (10 minutes):

Reflect on the activities and discuss how curiosity fueled their learning. Encourage students to continue exploring the solar system through various resources such as books, documentaries, and online platforms.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Alignment:

• MS-ESS1–2: Develop and utilize a model to describe gravity's role in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1–3: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects within the solar system.
• MS-ESS1–4: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale organizes Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history.

What if your adventure is just beginning?

Stay curious!

Matthew Murrie

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