Download Unit: Exploring Planetary Systems (Science/Grade 8)

Unit: Exploring Planetary Systems (Science/Grade 8)
Content Area:
Course(s):
Time Period:
Length:
Status:
Science
Generic Course, Integrated Science 8, Science
1st Marking Period
13 Weeks
Published
Unit Overview
The Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids in our solar system comprise a system of interacting
bodies. The Sun is at the center of the solar system. Planets, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids orbit the Sun. Gravity
is the force that keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun and governs the rest of the motion in the solar system.
Transfer
Students will be able to independently use their learning to…

Developing an interest in investigating the solar system.

Recognizing the unique nature of the solar system.

Recognizing how models can be used to explain observed phenomena.

Understanding the nature of scientific inquiry.
For more information, read the following article by Grant Wiggins.
http://www.authenticeducation.org/ae_bigideas/article.lasso?artid=60
Meaning
Understandings

Earth is part of a system that includes the Moon, seven other planets, and smaller objects, such as asteroids
and comets.

Geological and atmospheric processes that occur on Earth also occur on other planets.

Earth’s history is occasionally influenced by catastrophes, such as the impact of a comet or asteroid.

Fossils provide evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed.
Essential Questions

What factors are necessary for life to be found on other planets?

Where does gravity exist and why?

Why are fossils important?
Application of Knowledge and Skill
Students will know...
Students will know...

The Sun is the central and most massive body in our solar system, which includes eight planets and their
moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets.
Students will be skilled at...
Students will be skilled at...

Using scaling to represent distance and size relationships among objects in the solar system.

Using modeling to understand phenomena observed in the solar system.

Designing and performing experiments about the solar system.

Analyzing data from investigations about the solar system.

Writing evidence-based conclusions for experiments related to the solar system.

Comparing and discussing ideas about the solar system..
Content Specific Vocabulary
actual distance
diameter
Kuiper belt
plankton
asteroid
disintegrate
landform
plateau shield volcano
asteroid belt
distance
lava
preserved
Astronomical unit (AU) dune
magma
quarter phase
atmosphere
Dwarf planet
mass
radiate
balanced force
earthquake
meteor shower
ray
Barringer crater
elliptical
meteoroid
relative distance
basin
erode
microorganism
relative size
Bode's law
erosion
minor planet
resin
brachiopod
excavate
mold
rim
brochure
extinct
moon
bivalve
bryozoan
fault line
mummification
sediment
canyon
faulting
nucleus
shocked quartz
cast
fossil
Oort cloud
spoke
central peak
fossiliferous limestone
organism
strata
cephalopod
fossilize
orbit
sun
channel
fracture line
orbital motion
surface gravity
classify
gastropod
orbital period
tectonics
coma
gravity
paleontologist
terrain
comet
Ida
pancake dome
terrestrial planet
petrified wood
trilobite
planet
unbalanced force
planetary mass
volcanism
planetary radius
weight
comet shoemaker-levy impact crater
9
imprint
comet tail
inertia
coral
invertebrate
crater
iridium
crinoid stem
Cognitive Vocabulary
model
scale
process
Brochure
Classify
bibliography
outline
research
oral presentation
conclusion
constant
wrinkle ridge
dependent variable
independent variable
evidence
experimental design
Learning Goal 1
Develop and use a model of the Earth, Sun, Moon system to descirbe the cyclic pattern of lunar phases, eclipes of the
Sun, moon, and seasons.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from the text.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking
measurements, or performing technical tasks.
SCI.MS-ESS1-1
Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic
patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
Target 1(Lesson 2)
SWBAT:
Test the idea that different objects can represent the planets as scale models of the solar system.
Target 2 (Lesson 7)
Students will be able to understand that gravity governs motion in the solar system.
Learning Goal 2
Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from the text.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including
visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and
speculation in a text.
SCI.MS-ESS1-2
Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within
galaxies and the solar system.
Target 1 (Lesson 8)
Students will understand that life on Earth is influenced by collisions with asteriods and comets.
Learning Goal 3
Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
SCI.MS-ESS1-3
Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar
system.
CCSS.Math.Content.7.G.A.1
Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing
actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at
a different scale.
CCSS.Math.Content.8.EE.A.4
Perform operations with numbers expressed in scientific notation, including
problems where both decimal and scientific notation are used. Use scientific
notation and choose units of appropriate size for measurements of very large or
very small quantities (e.g., use millimeters per year for seafloor spreading).
Interpret scientific notation that has been generated by technology.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from the text.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including
visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and
proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary
of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking
measurements, or performing technical tasks.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and
speculation in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.9
Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations,
video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same
topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1.b
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2.a
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts,
and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose;
include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia
when useful to aiding comprehension.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2b
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information and examples.
Target 1 (Lesson 2)
Students will understand that scale modeling is one way of working with large distances and sizes and other properties
of planets.
Target 2 (Lesson 7)
Students will understand that gravity governs motion in the solar system.
Target 4 (Lesson 8)
Students will understand that life on Earth is influenced by collisions with asteroids and comets.
Learning Goal 4
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to
organize Earth's 4.6 billion old history.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from the text.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and
proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and
speculation in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1.b
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
SCI.MS-ESS1-4
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the
geologic time scale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history.
Learning Goal 5
Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and
change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today in
the past.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and
proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and
speculation in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1.b
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2.b
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information and examples.
SCI.MS-LS4-1
Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the
existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of
life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.
Learning Goal 6
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints
on materials, cost, or time.
LA.6-8.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and
speculation in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1.b
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2.b
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information and examples.
TECH.8.1.8.C.CS1
Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others by employing a
variety of digital environments and media.
Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized learning plan, business
letters or flyers) using one or more digital applications to be critiqued by
professionals for usability.
SCI.MS-ETS1-1
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to
ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and
potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible
solutions.
TECH.8.1.8.A.CS2
Select and use applications effectively and productively.
Target 1 (Lesson 4)
Students will understand that different solar system objects have features that make them interesting to explore.
Summative Assessment
All assessments are differentiated and aligned to the science standards and curriculum. Alternate assessment may
include projects or presentations, or a common paper/pencil assessment, or both.
Common summative assessments, which include inquiry reflection are developed based on corresponding STC Kit and
are computer based.
Common Assessment administered through LinkIt.
21st Century Life and Careers
CRP.K-12.CRP2.1
Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired
through experience and education to be more productive. They make connections
between abstract concepts with real-world applications, and they make correct
insights about when it is appropriate to apply the use of an academic skill in a
workplace situation.
CRP.K-12.CRP7.1
Career-ready individuals are discerning in accepting and using new information to
make decisions, change practices or inform strategies. They use reliable research
process to search for new information. They evaluate the validity of sources when
considering the use and adoption of external information or practices in their
workplace situation.
CRP.K-12.CRP9.1
Career-ready individuals consistently act in ways that align personal and
community-held ideals and principles while employing strategies to positively
influence others in the workplace. They have a clear understanding of integrity
and act on this understanding in every decision. They use a variety of means to
positively impact the directions and actions of a team or organization, and they
apply insights into human behavior to change others’ action, attitudes and/or
beliefs. They recognize the near-term and long-term effects that management’s
actions and attitudes can have on productivity, morals and organizational culture.
CRP.K-12.CRP8.1
Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand
the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem. They
are aware of problems when they occur and take action quickly to address the
problem; they thoughtfully investigate the root cause of the problem prior to
introducing solutions. They carefully consider the options to solve the problem.
Once a solution is agreed upon, they follow through to ensure the problem is
solved, whether through their own actions or the actions of others.
CRP.K-12.CRP11.1
Career-ready individuals find and maximize the productive value of existing and
new technology to accomplish workplace tasks and solve workplace problems.
They are flexible and adaptive in acquiring new technology. They are proficient
with ubiquitous technology applications. They understand the inherent riskspersonal and organizational-of technology applications, and they take actions to
prevent or mitigate these risks.
CRP.K-12.CRP4.1
Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas, and action plans with
clarity, whether using written, verbal, and/or visual methods. They communicate
in the workplace with clarity and purpose to make maximum use of their own and
others’ time. They are excellent writers; they master conventions, word choice,
and organization, and use effective tone and presentation skills to articulate ideas.
They are skilled at interacting with others; they are active listeners and speak
clearly and with purpose. Career-ready individuals think about the audience for
their communication and prepare accordingly to ensure the desired outcome.
CRP.K-12.CRP12.1
Career-ready individuals positively contribute to every team, whether formal or
informal. They apply an awareness of cultural difference to avoid barriers to
productive and positive interaction. They find ways to increase the engagement
and contribution of all team members. They plan and facilitate effective team
meetings.
CRP.K-12.CRP6.1
Career-ready individuals regularly think of ideas that solve problems in new and
different ways, and they contribute those ideas in a useful and productive manner
to improve their organization. They can consider unconventional ideas and
suggestions as solutions to issues, tasks or problems, and they discern which ideas
and suggestions will add greatest value. They seek new methods, practices, and
ideas from a variety of sources and seek to apply those ideas to their own
workplace. They take action on their ideas and understand how to bring
innovation to an organization.
Formative Assessment and Performance Opportunities
• anecdotal records
.
• Diagnostic testing prior to instruction
.
• Learning logs, journals, exit cards or periodic quizzes
.
• Paper-and-Pencil Test
.
• Rough drafts of essays, papers or drawings
.
• science notebook
.
• Self assessment, peer assessment or teacher observation
.
• Small group assignments during which students investigate or practice concepts or skills
.
• Student Display
.
• Student Experiments
.
• student sheets
.
• Teacher directed Q and A, conferencing with students, or class discussions
.
Differentiation
• Level grading
.
• reteach essential skills
.
• Student notebook entries
.
• varied assignments
.
• work together/work alone
.
Enrichment
• Bill Nye
.
• Brainpop
.
• Current Events
.
• Posters
.
• Presentations/Research project
.
• Real world applications
.
• Videos
.
Unit Resources
Supplemental Text Books
Interactive White Board
Black line Masters
Listening Centers
Internet
Scanners
Digital Camera
Student Laptops
Document Camera
Student Response Systems
Flash Drives
Telescopes
Flip Camera
Global Positioning Handhelds