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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Shrink the Solar System

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Shrink the Solar System

A 5th Grade STEM Lesson

Lourdes Casinao

January 31, 2023

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Notes for Teachers

  • Context: This lesson takes place in the classroom for 2 sessions.
  • Students may work in small groups.
  • An emphasis on the target product - a solar system model.
  • Creative solutions should be encouraged.
  • Facilitate student reflection on planets sizes, features, and distances from the sun.

List of Materials

Shrink the Solar System Materials

  • three 8.5 X 11 inch sheets of paper, scissors, masking tape, ruler, pencil, highlighter
  • Are we Alone?
  • Science Spin 3-6 by Scholastic
  • Graphic Organizer
  • Our Solar System Video

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Arizona Standards

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ELA:

5.RL.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

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5.W.7 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

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5.SL.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Mathematical Practices:

MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.

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Earth & Space Science:

5.E2U1.7 Develop, revise, and use models based on evidence to construct explanations about the movement of the Earth and Moon within our solar system.

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Science and Engineering Practices:

  • ask questions and define problems
  • develop and use models
  • plan and carry out investigations
  • analyze and interpret data
  • use mathematical and computational thinking
  • construct explanations and design solutions
  • engage in argument from evidence
  • obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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Objective(s):

Today students will create a scale model of the solar system.

Students will learn about the search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system.

Today we will collaborate and communicate effectively with our peers to plot the locations of planets and moons scientist think have the best chance of hosting life.

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Agenda (60 minutes)

Watch a video about space and discuss the concept of life outside of Earth.

Science Spin - “ Are We Alone?”

“ Life in Space”

Complete the graphic organizer as you read about different planets and moons in our solar system that could support life with partners.

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Intro

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Do you think there is life in outer space? Why or why not?

Would it be similar to life on Earth or different? What could it look like?

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Watch a video about space and discuss the concept of life outside of Earth.

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Read an article about evidence of life in the solar system and organize information from the text.

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Preview the “Evidence of Life” graphic organizer.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

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Assessment

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Differentiation

Additional time for students to build the model.

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Provide alternative manipulatives for students to build with as needed.

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Provide an anchor chart with key vocabulary and images.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Have students calculate how long it would take humans to get to the nearest goldilocks planet with our current technology.