Introduction: Imagine you are an astronaut getting ready for your first space launch. Your bags are packed and your protective gear is on. Getting ready for your final destination wherever that may be. In preparation of your journey you must know where you intend to land.  This task will require the knowledge of specific coordinates, atmosphere, temperature, composition of the planet as well as much more information to ensure a safe and exciting journey. Once you and your "space crew" have retrieved the necessary information you will be off to space. Upon arrival the space crew will report back to mission control on their discoveries and progress.  .   

Content Area(s) and Grade Level:  Third or Fourth Grade

NE Standards:  Mathematics:

4.1.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will demonstrate an understanding of place value through the millions and decimals to the hundredths place.

4.2.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will estimate and accurately calculate without and with calculators and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of decimals and understand the relationships among these two operations.

4.3.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will estimate, measure, and solve problems using metric units for linear measure, area, mass/weight, and capacity.

4.3.4 By the end of fourth grade, students will determine the perimeter of a many-sided figure (without a formula) using both standard and nonstandard units of measure, such as the six-sided figure measures 30 inches or 15 toothpicks around the edges.

4.5.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will collect, organize, represent, and interpret numerical and categorical data and clearly communicate the findings.

Science:

4.1.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.

4.2.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.

4.5.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of objects in the sky.

4.6.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of science and technology.

ISTE Standards:

4. Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum. (3)

7. Use telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, Web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.  (4,5)

8. Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collecting probes, videos, educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5,6)

Integrated disciplines: Science, Math, Technology, Language Arts

   Objectives:

    The purpose of this unit is to help students better understand and comprehend expository/factual text through researching, recording, and consolidating scientific information using technology. Students' reasoning and cooperation skills will also be required

     Materials/Technologies

http://schools.sbe.saskatoon.sk.ca/Victo/projects/Grassroots/Planet%20WebQuest/WebQuest2.html

     Procedures

        Springboard:

    A fun and interesting way to start this lesson would be to have a scientist or an astronaut visit the class and tell the students about various adventures in space.  Invite the guest to return for the students presentations after their space explorations for a short questions and answer session if the first visit goes well.  If the suggested idea above is not feasible an equally entertaining activity would be with a book. The book called Postcards From Pluto, by Leedy, Loreen.  This book was used in the web quest to get the students interested and intrigued by the upcoming virtual postcard activity.    
    

        What teacher is to do:

* Link the Planet WebQuest on the computer station in order that students can have easy access

* Present the Web Quest to the students as a large group and emphasize that research information can be found using the Internet, classroom books, library books or books students may have at home.

* Decide on groupings and assign planet destinations. Complete the mission badge activity and review the concept of making jot notes before beginning research.

* During research, it is important that the teacher be available to monitor Internet access, provide navigation assistance and explain any unfamiliar scientific vocabulary. Also, ensure that students know how to print selections.*

* After groups have completed research notes and a rough draft of their text, it is useful to present the virtual post card site to the class as a large group, and send a post card as an example. If the e-mail address for mission control ( teacher's e-mail address) is posted near the computer station, students will be able to type it in as required.

* Print out copies of the evaluation rubric to have on hand before presentations. After the sharing session, encourage a comment and question time. Take a digital photo of each group wearing their mission badges for display, and as a group memento.

* If time allows, students can click on the links suggested in the Conclusion of the Planet Web Quest for enrichment and further practice navigating on the Web.

        What students are to do:

   Student's jobs consist of gathering data about the planet they chose.  They will work closely with their crew of astronauts to find and collect the scientific information requested.

Students will answer the following questions, which are also listed on the web quest. 

  Pre-flight requirements:

 Once students have presented their information offer some discussion questions for them to think about and keep them wondering.  This can be a good tool when motivating independent student discoveries.  Does life exist elsewhere? What are some of the latest scientific findings? How can you use the information gathered in your Web Quest to help others? These questions are also listed in the Web Quest cited. 

Assessment

 Students will be assessed using the rubric provided at the Web Quest.  

The main points to focus on are the thoroughness of the research, the format, organization, and presentation of material, the proper and appropriate use of technology resources, and the cooperation of team work.

Explanation

I chose this activity because I saw a lot of possibilities for expanding on the knowledge provided and accessed in this lesson.  For Example one could integrate art into the study of planets by having students create their own paper mache  classroom planetarium.  A discussion about the solar system and the many stars it holds can lead into a discussion of the Underground Railroad.  There are many other possibilities as well, these were a couple that came to mind right away.  

References:

Postcards From Pluto, Leedy, Loreen; Scholastic Inc © 1993

Web Quest designed by Rita Gunning and Wendy Thomson
http://schools.sbe.saskatoon.sk.ca/Victo/projects/Grassroots/Planet%20WebQuest/WebQuest2.html

Merryellen Towey Schulz, Ph.D.     College of Saint Mary          Spring, 2001