Really Cool Research Project on the Planets

1. Really Cool Research Project on the Planets Incorporating 21st Century Skills Credit:http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080116.html

2. Unit Summary—The Big Picture • Students will generate the following products: • Quality research • Formal research paper (3 pages each) • Formal presentation of research (20 minutes each) with several style options • Handout summarizing presentation Credit:http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap040516.html

3. My Vision for My Students • Students will be able to identify the key ideas for each planet (a few that are identified by Mr. Millam). • Students will conduct research and be able to judge which of the remaining features of their planet should be shared with their peers during their formal presentation. • Students will be able to create an effective presentation unit using current technology, which might include PowerPoint, video segments, and sound/music clips. • Students will be able to appraise and (positively) critique the presentations of others. Credit:http://ircamera.as.arizona.edu/NatSci102/NatSci102/lectures/earth.htm

4. Vision For Myself • To provide a rich and interesting assignment that teaches my students the prior goals. • To allow more creativity while maintaining high academic standards and formality. • To empower my students with 21st Century skills to help them succeed in the future. Credit:http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap040109.html

5. Finding Our Direction • The teacher will direct students through a KWHL to assess student knowledge in the beginning of the unit. • This will help guide the direction of student research: • How well do they know the “basics?” • How much do students know about the Unit Questions (next slide)? • How well can they relate their planet to similar features of Earth? Credit:http://louisville.edu/planetarium/sky-archives/dec-08.html

6. Questions to Pursue • Essential Question:How can a study of the planets tell us about our Earth? • Unit Question:What are some common characteristics of the Earth and your planet? You must address this question in terms of (if applicable) surface features, internal structure, satellite missions, and moons. • Sample Content Questions: • Which planet was discovered with math before being seen by a telescope? • On what planet is the largest volcano in the solar system located? • Which of the Galilean moons may have a liquid ocean underneath its icy surface? Credit:http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/features.php

7. Back to the Future! This project will help my students develop the following 21st Century skills: • Collaboration with peers • Evaluation of data to decide which topics should be presented • Self-awareness of progress and growth • Information and technology skills • Responsibility for completing the project Credit:http://www.astro.cornell.edu/academics/courses/astro2201/p_uranus.html

8. My Goals for the Course • To find ways to get my students more interested in learning science. • To help them become independent, 21st Century learners. • To learn about new kinds of technology my students can use, such as wikis and blogs. • Receive and provide helpful feedback from fellow teachers. Credit:http://www.stsci.edu/~inr/thisweek1/2008/thisweek238.html

9. Request for Feedback • Additional ideas for incorporating inter-active technologies, such as wikis and blogs, into the project. • Additional ideas for using multimedia (esp. sound and music) in the projects. • How to incorporate more higher-level thinking activities into the project. • How to add greater creativity into the project. Credit:http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap060624.html