Download Solar System Project

5th Grade: Science
SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECT CRITERIA SHEET
Final Project due: Thursday March 9, 2017
The 5th Grade students are required to do research about our solar system, the planet
assigned on a variety of different topics written and visual report on a constellation of
their choice and presents the information through a combination of written, visual and
oral presentations. Each student will be required to turn in a Solar System Model and
Display Board on the planet assigned. Then each student will give an oral presentation
based on his or her research.
The overall objective of At-Home Projects is 3-fold: to teach students the responsibility
and importance of following directions, to develop time management skills and
independently research a topic to gather specific information. Students, especially
younger ones, need guidance from their parents on what is required and how to best
complete the project as assigned. Both expected and unexpected hurdles must be
anticipated to avoid a time crunch in the end. (i.e., after-school activities, family outings,
church, sickness, etc.) Making the deadline and following the directions are just as
important as the finished project itself.
NOTE: All writing needs to be done in the students’ own words and not copied directly
from any resource publication or source. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade.
Written portions may either be typed or handwritten.
SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL REQUIREMENTS:
• Model must be three-dimensional showing the Sun as the focal point of the Solar System
• Planets must be place in the correct order and properly labeled
• Sun and Planets must be labeled with their diameter in miles and kilometers
• Planets must be labeled with their distance from the Sun
PLANET DISPLAY BOARD
1. Top center of display board must have name of planet, student name, teacher name and
room number
2. Left side of display board must provide pictures and details of planet characteristics: planet
diameter, distance from the Sun, identify planet as terrestrial or gas giant, chemical
makeup of atmosphere
3. Right side of display board must focus on recent observations of historical events and
discoveries made by space probes sent to investigate their assigned planet (some planets
have had multiple probes).
4. Center of display board must contain student written report of their findings and
explanation of their findings they found the most interesting. Report must also contain
bibliography page.
CONSTELLATION REPORT
Students will use the SkyView Free App on their devices to select a constellation to research.
They are required to write a five paragraph essay describing the pattern in the night sky of the
constellation, analyze the magnitude (star brightness) of the stars in the constellation and the
history and myth behind the constellation they selected. Cover page of the essay must have a
drawing of the constellation with the stars showing the proper magnitude.
ORAL PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS:
Students will be required to orally present information regarding their research on their planet and
conduct a brief question and answer period for their classmates at the end during the week of
March 13-17.
PROJECT NOTIFICATION
The Solar System Project is due on Thursday March 9, 2017. If you have any questions, please
see the teacher.
NOTE: All projects and reports must be turned in on the date due to receive
full credit. All late projects/reports will be lowered 10 points for every day project is late. (This includes
those turned in late as a result of an absence or tardy.) Project needs to be turned in no later than 8:30
a.m.
--------Detach and return bottom portion to your child’s teacher by February 13, 2017----We have received and reviewed the Solar System Project and are aware of the March 9, 2017 due
date and requirements.
Student’s Printed Name __________________________________
Planet Assigned ____________________
Constellation Selected ____________________
Student Signature ______________________________________
Teacher _________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________
Date ______________________