Planet or Dwarf Planet Research Project
Courtesy of Mrs. C. Mulligan 4th grade teacher
(revised by Ms. C. Baker 4th grade teacher)
Trimester 2 Science Project
Obj: SWBAT-create a multimedia presentation incorporating science, writing, and computer skills.
Standards covered:
CCSS-LA.4.W.4.7 - Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
LA.4.W.4.6 -With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
NJCCS-SCI.3-4.5.4.4.A.d -Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system, which includes seven other planets.
SCI.3-4.5.4.4.A.4 -Analyze and evaluate evidence in the form of data tables and photographs to categorize and relate solar system objects (e.g., planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets).
1st step: Choose a planet (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) or dwarf-planet (Pluto, Ceres, Makemake, Eris, Haumea).
2nd step: Research your planet or dwarf-planet.
Use any of these links:
| http://www.planetsforkids.org/ | http://kids.nineplanets.org/ |
| http://kids.nineplanets.org/intro.htm |
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/
http://www.windows2universe.org/
Record what you learn about your planet on index cards or Research organizer pages. Each card must have three parts: a) the question, b) the answer, c) the source for the information
You will answer the following questions:
- Namesake (Who is your planet named after?)
- Distance from the Sun (How many kilometers?)
- Diameter (What is the distance across your planet?)
- Period of revolution (How long is one year on your planet in Earth years?)
- Rotation period (One day on your planet equals how many hours/days on Earth?)
- Moons (How many? What are their names?)
- Atmosphere (What gases are in the atmosphere?)
- Temperature (How hot or cold is it?)
- Composition (What is your planet made of?)
- What color does it appear?
- Other Interesting facts (Special features. Does it have volcanoes, craters, rings, mountains, valleys, etc.)
3rd step: Using Microsoft word, write a report presenting all your information. Make sure you write in complete sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation. All words should be spelled correctly. The last page should list all your resources.
(The link above will show you how to list your resources.)
4th step: In Computer Lab make a PowerPoint/Weebly to describing your planet using the information that you wrote on the index cards. This should be a descriptive presentation, telling about the common & unique features of the planet.