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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Planet Mania

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Planet Mania

An Earth Science STEM Lesson

Rebecca Booth

11/6/23

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Notes for teachers

This is a hands-on project that the Earth Science students do after learning about the solar system.

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It allows for the integration of technology and art.

List of Materials

  • Styrofoam balls
  • Markers or paints
  • Poster board
  • Computer

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Standards

HS.E2U1.16 Construct an explanation of how gravitational forces impact the evolution of planetary motion, structure, surfaces, atmospheres, moons, and rings.

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Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

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Objectives: To collaborate with classmates to create a presentation. To learn about a planet and share the information with classmates.�

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Agenda (3 or 4 50-minute class periods)

Day one:

  • Group the students however you choose so that there are 7 groups (unless you choose to duplicate planet presentations)
  • Assign planets to groups
  • Go over the rubric and expectations
  • Allow time in class to work

Day 2 (and 3 if needed):

  • Continue working on presentations

Day 3 (or 4):

  • Student presentations

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What is unique about the planets in our solar system?

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The students work in small groups to create a presentation to describe different factors of their assigned planets.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Grouping of students options
    • Ability level
    • Students pick
    • Random drawing
  • Go over the requirements/rubric of the project
  • Make sure that you have time to allow for student presentations

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Assessment

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Differentiation

Using ability level to group the students is beneficial if you have students that need accommodations or modifications.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students can extend this to learn more about the natural satellites (moons) of the other planets as desired.