Solar System

Pathfinder
Created by Donna Gunn

Topic: Solar System Grade 6

Standards of Learning (SOL):

Science: Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems

6.8 The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the interactions
among the various bodies that comprise it. Key concepts include
a) the sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, dwarf planets, meteors, asteroids, and
comets;
b) relative size of and distance between planets;
c) the role of gravity;
d) revolution and rotation;
e) the mechanics of day and night and the phases of the moon;
f) the unique properties of Earth as a planet;
g) the relationship of Earths tilt and the seasons;
h) the cause of tides; and
i) the history and technology of space exploration.

English: Research
6.9 The student will find, evaluate, and select appropriate resources for a research product.
a) Collect information from multiple sources including online, print, and media.
b) Evaluate the validity and authenticity of texts.
c) Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
d) Cite primary and secondary sources.
e) Define the meaning and consequences of plagiarism and follow ethical and legal guidelines for
gathering and using information.

English: Writing
6.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence
structure, and paragraphing.
a) Use a variety of graphic organizers, including sentence diagrams, to analyze and improve
sentence formation and paragraph structure.
b) Use subject-verb agreement with intervening phrases and clauses.
c) Use pronoun-antecedent agreement to include indefinite pronouns.
d) Maintain consistent verb tense across paragraphs.
e) Eliminate double negatives.
f) Use quotation marks with dialogue.
 g) Choose adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
h) Use correct spelling for frequently used words.

Rationale:
Students will use the Solar System Pathfinder to locate good, quality sources to use for
their research projects about the solar system, its organization, and how we are affected by its
makeup. They will explore such key concepts as the sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, dwarf
planets, meteors, asteroids, and comets, the Earths tilt and seasons, gravity, and tides. Students will work in
small groups to choose a topic then complete research using a variety of appropriate resources, write a short
essay complete with citations, and complete a visual project on that topic to be shared with the class.

The project assigned will help students gain a greater understanding of our solar system in which we live
and how we are connected with it. They will also gain greater practice with researching using quality print and
digital sources, working with peers, writing and editing, and presenting their information.

Introduction:

Sixth grade students will work with their school librarian and Science and English teachers to complete
a research-based project covering aspects of the solar system. Students will be set up into pairs and will be
given directions and expectations of their projects. They will also have a rubric to guide them. Students will be
allowed to choose a topic from a list of topics within the solar system theme after discussing amongst their
group what they would like to explore further. They will sign up next to their topic of choice so that everyone
has a unique topic.

Students will receive the Solar System Pathfinder to lead them through their research and fact gathering.
They will be required (and reminded) to cite their sources and avoid plagiarism. Students will be given two in-
class library sessions for research time, and they will be invited to come back to the library before and after
school, as well as lunch periods to continue research. Research may also be done at home.

Students will proceed to write a one to two page essay about their topic. Once the writing is complete,
groups will move to the visual part of their project which will consist of designing a poster, display board,
power point, or 3-D model. At the completion of the projects students will present their findings, answer
questions, and display their projects.

Collaboration:

The school librarian will meet with the 6th grade English and Science teachers to plan a collaborative,
culminating project to be taught after the unit on the solar system in the science classroom and writing, editing
and revising in the English classroom. The Science teacher will create a list of topics for students to choose
from. The English teacher will create the project rules, expectations and rubric. The librarian will create the
pathfinder on the topic, including citation help information.
 The Science and English teachers will each bring their classes to the library giving the students at least
two class periods to gather information. Each student will do their own research and then bring their
information together in a collaborating effort to complete their project.

Students will be given at least two English class periods to consolidate and organize their information,
then plan and write their essay. The English teacher will help students throughout the writing, editing and
revision processes while giving mini lessons (reminders) on each part of the writing process.

Science class time will be given to plan and create their poster, display board, power point, or 3-D
models. Science teachers will check for accuracy as students record data, include gathered data in their
writings, then change data to fit visual representations.

Students will be graded by their English and Science teachers for the work relative to each class. The
librarian will help with checking citation information.

At the completion of this project teachers and librarian will meet together to assess and evaluate how the
research, writing and project went. Strategies to improve the flow of the project, the information available, or
the process itself can be made at this time.

Statement of Impact on Student Learning:

Sixth grade students will use the pathfinder to gain further understanding of the Science SOL 6.8 to
better understand the planets, moons and other bodies found in Space. They will also study the tilt of the
Earths axis and how it creates our seasons, and how the moon affects tides, the phases of the moons, what
makes day and night, the characteristics of the planets and Earths unique properties. Students will study the
history of the technology of space exploration. Students will gain a greater knowledge of how important the
solar system is and how everything works together to create life as they know it here on Earth.

Students will also gain experience using print and electronic resources for gathering research. They will
use high quality resources found in databases, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and non-fiction materials. Students
will then take the data they have gathered and learn to work as a team to consolidate and organize it into
information that can then be used in a written essay and, ultimately, transferred into a visual display. They will
be practicing skills found in the English: Communication 6.1 SOL and the English: Writing 6.8 SOL as they
work to complete the project as a whole.

At the completion of this project students will have experience writing for a specific audience, editing
their writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structuring, and paragraphing.
They will gain confidence in their writing and editing skills. Students will be able to cite sources correctly and
avoid plagiarism.
List of Formats:

Format: Rationale:
Print and online dictionaries will be used by students to define terms needed
for their research projects. Students will use dictionaries to study terms such
as comet, meteors, asteroids, moon, planets, and other solar system related
Dictionary vocabulary. Unfamiliar words that come up in the process of research can also
be found within the dictionary. Students will also learn correct pronunciation
of terms in this source.
Encyclopedias will be available in both print and online. Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia provide a quick, overall look at the topic to be studied, and they are good place
to begin research.
Students will learn the importance of databases as an academic resource for
Database research. Articles found within a database have been reviewed and placed as a
reliable source. Students will learn to search within a database for information
regarding their topic of exploration.
Students will reference the library catalogs of the school and/or the public
Library library in locating non-fiction materials on their subject. A list of non-fiction
books on the solar system is included in the pathfinder.
Catalog
Students will locate and use ready reference sources for facts relating to their
Ready research. Ready reference provides more up-to-date and changing information
like the last time a Haleys Comet could be seen from the night time sky.
Reference
Websites are an invaluable source of information which provide interactive
views of the solar system and allow students to get an overall view of the solar
system and how it moves. Students can see the planets sizes in relation to one
Websites another and to the sun. In addition to facts, websites provide amazing pictures
and diagrams of the universe. Many websites also include games that students
may want to go back to and explore further after the project is over.
 The Solar System
A Pathfinder Created for
6th Grade Science and English Teachers
(in collaboration with the Library Media Specialist)

This pathfinder is designed to guide you through learning more about the solar
system in which you live. You will learn how all members of the solar system move together
in a very organized fashion and affect the way you live here on Earth. You will learn about
space exploration and the technology involved in such a monumental task.

You will then take the information you gather and work in pairs to consolidate and
organize your data, write an essay, and create a visual representation which you will
present to your class. Your English and Science teachers are providing the details of the
project including a rubric for you to follow.

You will receive a grade for English based on your research and final writing. Use at
least two print sources and two online sources, one of which needs to be from a database.
Edit well and remember to include citations for your sources!
Your Science grade will be based on the facts and information you gather and how
you present your information to the class including a visual format of your choice. You
may choose to design a poster, display board, power point, or 3-D model. Remember,
accuracy is important!

Your librarian will be checking for quality sources, citations, and plagiarism. Do
your OWN work. Do not copy someone elses work without giving them credit. Citation
guidance and helpful links are provided at the bottom of the pathfinder. Your librarian also
has a worksheet available to help you gather the information needed for citations and to keep
track of your sources as you research. Hint: Dont wait until the end to try and gather your
sources. Create citations using MLA format.

We are looking for good quality research, writing, and accuracy.

Have fun!
Dictionaries
Use a print or online dictionary, or both, to look up definitions of terms needed for
your research. You may come across words you are unfamiliar with during your research
which you will need to look up, as well. If you need help with pronunciation, or how a word
sounds, use a dictionary. Online dictionaries even have audio clips of words so that you can
hear them. Cool, huh! (Remember to cite your sources!)

Merriam-Webster is a free online dictionary for kids that can be used on a home or
school computer and can be found at
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kid.

J 423 Ame American Heritage Student Dictionary

Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias are available in print editions and online. They provide great articles
which can give you an overview of your topic. Topics are organized alphabetically and easy
to find. They are a great place to begin your research. They even include pictures and
online interactive features. (Remember to cite your sources!)

The New Book of Knowledge (Grolier) can be found at

http://go-middle.grolier.com/ and is an online Encyclopedia made available by
the public library. You will need a library card to access this information. Ask a teacher if
you need help obtaining access. This encyclopedia is geared toward students. Type in the
keyword you are searching in the search box and push enter. You can choose the reading
level or school level you desire. It also has a link at the top of each article to help you cite the
article. Once logged into this website you can access multiple encyclopedias funded by the
public library. Others available are the Encyclopedia Americana by Grolier and
Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. When you do a search, articles from
all three sources will appear.
J 520.3 Fir First Space Encyclopedia by DK includes great pictures and facts
J 520.3 Gol The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia by Dr. Mike Goldsmith

Databases
Databases are useful tools when conducting academic research. The articles from
magazines, newspapers, and other sources are checked for quality and reliability. You will
also find pictures available for use. You will want to use at least one of these for your
research. (Remember to cite your sources!)

Kids InfoBits is a great database provided by FinditVA.com. You can find the link for
Kids InfoBits by going to the www.finditva.com and clicking
Elementary/Middle School Resources. Scroll down and you will see
the link on the left side of the page or go to
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=ITKE&u=va0064_remote.

National Geographic Kids is another database which can be

found on the www.finditva.com website under the resources for Elementary/Middle School.

Science Online is a curriculum-oriented database provided by the public library. You

will need a library card number to access this database. You can locate Science Online by
going to the PWC Public Library Home page at
http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/library/Pages/default.aspx.
On the left side of the screen click on the link Online Resources then Electronic
Resources. From there you will a chart containing topics. Choose Science. Science
Online is available from that page. Once you enter your library card number you may
search using key words and terms in the search box.
Library Catalog
Library Catalogs are a great source for nonfiction materials for your research. You
will find books, articles, DVDs, reference collection sources and much more as you explore
your schools or the public librarys library catalog. (Remember to cite your sources!)

DVDs

523.2 Tra A Traveler's Guide to the Planets by National Geographic

(2 separate discs available each covering different planets.)
Books

J 523.2 Tra The Solar System by Howard K. Trammel

Howard Trammel covers facts about the planets within our solar system
in an easy-to-read format, and he includes great pictures.

J 523.2 Ker The Solar System by Robin Kerrod

Kerrods book gives a detailed description of the planets in the solar
system and their relationship to one another. Includes lots of great
pictures and diagrams and charts.

J 523.2 Agu 13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David
A. Aguilar
Aguilar includes a history of the solar system and up-to-date facts
straight from the latest astronomy news. Planets, their moons and other
objects found in space are covered and shown using brilliant photo-
realistic illustration.

J 523.2 Ben Beyond: A Solar System Voyage by Michael Benson

This book presents the Solar System from the perspective of the space
probes sent to explore the heavens. The stunning pictures were taken from
the collections of NASA and other space agencies.
J 523.24 Wit Planet Hunter: Geoff Marcy and the Search for Other
Earths by Vicki O. Wittenstein
Marcy discusses the possibility of other planets like Earth and how to
find them using specialized equipment.

523.2 Dan The New Solar System: Ice Worlds, Moons, and Planets
Redefined by Patricia Daniels
The New Solar System takes a stunning look at the Solar System using
imagery from satellites, spacecraft and high-powered telescopes. It covers
the history of space observations and discoveries that modern scientists
have uncovered about our sun, the planets, the moon, and the search for
other life in the universe.

Ready Reference
Ready Reference is a great place to go for quick, up-to-date facts about your topic.
Use the search bar to locate information by keyword. (Remember to cite your sources!)

Infoplease.com is free. Search by keyword. Go to http://www.infoplease.com/.

Ipl2 Go to http://ipl.org/
Websites
Websites are fascinating to explore as you study about the solar system. Amazing
pictures and interactive models of the planets and how they move are beautiful and fun to
explore. Games and other interactive and multimedia features are available for you to
explore and to return to once your project is complete. Keep track of time while spending time
here, andremember to cite your sources!

1. http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/
NASA includes information about the subject, lesson ideas for teachers, FAQs about
each area of focus, current News and recent Missions which have furthered research
about each topic, and includes stunning photography. The website also has a Kids
section that includes Homework Helper and Games. There is also a Multimedia section
with Interactive and multimedia features.
--covers the Solar System, each planet, comets, asteroids, meteors, the sun, dwarf
planets

2. http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm
Many of the pictures are interactive so that you can choose what you want to learn
about. It even has cool sounds. You can play Solar Winds audio.

3. http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system/
National Geographics Solar System section has a nice interactive home page where
you can choose the topic you want to read about further. The site does require that you
sign-in with a free account if you want to gain access

4. http://www.solarsystemscope.com/

This website is a model of the solar system showing the planets and their relationship
to each other and to the sun as they move through the solar system. The time can be
sped up and even reversed to see the placement of the planets in relation to the sun at
any given time. Pictures of the planets and each of their moons are also available. No
word descriptions or information is available. Pictures provided by NASA.
Citation Help
Dont forget to cite your sources! Many of the online sources you will use have
citation helpers available on the webpage. Make use of those. You may also want to use a
fill-in-the-blank citation worksheet to ensure you get all of the information needed and to
keep track of your sources as you research. Do NOT wait until you have finished your
research to go back and find information for your citations. Create citations in
MLA format.

Here are links to some great online tools that will help you build your citations:

http://www.citationmachine.net/
http://www.citefast.com/
http://www.easybib.com/

Enjoy the Journey!