Earth's Rotation!

So I decided to add this lesson within our space unit because this was a benchmark that they were low in. I took them to the science lab (which by the way, they love! They think its some special room!!) I had a light bulb in the center of the table (the sun) and each friend had an apple (Earth) with a toothpick and a raisin stuck on it. The raisin represented where they were. We turned the lights off and they drew what they observed. They then made half a rotation and drew another observation. They did great!!! They were able to quickly determine that earths rotation causes day and night. Their exit tickets proves this!! So proud :)

Our Journals!

I thought my journals last year were good, but this year they are AWESOME!! Here are some entries we have done lately:

Looking at Planets Individual Characteristics

I know I have said it before, but I love this unit!!!! Last week and the beginning of this week, we were researching common characteristics of the 8 planets. Students were assigned a planet and then had to research it. They then put it on a post it and put it on our class chart. They had such a good time and the chart looks great!!

The Planet's Distance from the Sun

Today, students were given a planet's distance from the sun (to scale) and they had to measure it out on the field outside. It was awesome! They really got a chance to see how far they planets really are :)

Planet Brochure Project!!

This is my favorite unit and my favorite project! Each student needs to complete their brochure at home (items were handed out October 30 in class) and it is due December 13, 2013. Students may select any their own planet (NO EARTH AND NO PLUTO!). Below are some examples of what the final product looked like last year:

Inner and Outer Planets

Scientists have put our planets into 2 categories: Inner and Outer. Students determined that the Inner Planets were Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars since they were closest to the sun. Then we determined that the Outer Planets were Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We made a model of the solar system (see previous posts). Based off of that model, we were able to conclude that the inner planets were warmer (because close to the sun) and smaller. Therefore, the outer planets are colder and larger.

Helping with order of planets

I read this book today to show students what the order of the planets were relative to the sun. I didn't think they would like it since its kind of a primary book, but they loved it!