Solar System Exploration: December 2012

One of the major things that I wanted to try this year was to use the Little Big Planetary Exploration level as a graded activity in Science class.  Last year the state of Virginia added a standard (read: information that we have to teach) on the solar system.  My students are required to learn the order of the eight planets (no Pluto, may it rotate in peace) and differentiate between terrestrial and gas giants.

After we came back from the Thanksgiving Holiday (a three day break) it was time to begin our study of the planets.  I printed out the data collection sheets and decided to have the students work in small groups of four while I guided the rest of the students through the necessary information.  The groups working would be able to make up the information while we review at the beginning of class.

This group worked to complete the activity during a free period.

Their score for the activity comes from two parts of the activity.  The bulk of the score (80%) comes from completing the data sheet.  The data sheet is rigorous.  Students are expected to record given and observed information about each planet and draw a quick colored sketch.  It is an involved process that tells the students each planets name, high temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit), and the ratio to the planet earth.  They must then observe the size of each planet, it's rotation speed, and how high they can jump.  The other 20% of the score comes from the students score on the level.  Their entire level score comes from 8 multiple choice questions presented to them at the end of the level.  After being presented the question students drop a marker into one of three color coded baskets.  Correct answers earn 500 points.  Incorrect answers lose 100 points.  All of the questions can be answered by looking back at the data they should have collected playing the level.

This is a sample of what the students are filling out as they work.

As of December 14th more than half of my students are finished with the activity.  It would be more but my family was dealing with a stomach bug that kept me out of my classroom three of our science days.  The students that have finished the activity seem not only to have greatly enjoyed their trip through the solar system, but also seem to remember very well the information presented to them.  The remaining students will complete the activity once we return from Winter Break.  So far the experience has been amazing.  I will share more about it once the activity is complete.