Your task as an astronomer is to model the solar system using technology.  You and your crew are just one group that have been asked by NASA to chart the solar system in order to create a simulation model for future astronauts. After you have accomplished this, you will present your model to the Director of NASA. They have given you several requirements for the simulation. Your simulation should include a map of the solar system that shows the appropriate distance, location, size and relation to the sun amongst the eight planets. You and your team can use a variety of options to complete your simulation. These include Google Suite tools (such as Google Slides, Google Docs, Jamboard, or any equivalent tool such as Microsoft Office), Coding resources (Scratch.edu, tynker.edu) or 3D printing software (Tinkercad) to present. Your map should also include a short descriptive paragraph for each planet explaining its distance, location, size, and at least 3 facts about the planet. If creating a video, you will still want to include descriptions for the planets as well as the three facts.  Presentation to “NASA Directors” must answer the question: how does this simulation/model help future scientists?

Video Description:  In this close-up video, Dr. Danny Glavin, Astrobiologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, shares his journey in becoming a 'rock star' for NASA and how communication is an essential part of his job.  Video Length:  1:41NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Ask SME: Close-up with a NASA Subject Matter Expert videos are professionally developed to capture a glimpse of NASA SME's personal interests and career journeys. Each can be used to spark student interest and broaden their ideas of the STEM workforce. Additional videos in this series can be found by searching GoOpenVA using "NASA eClips Ask SME".

Video Description:  In this close-up video, Begona Vila, Instrument Systems Engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, describes her role in supporting the operations of the Webb telescope. The Webb telescope is currently the largest and most complex space telescope, set to look back in time and take pictures of the first galaxies and stars in the universe. In addition to her work on this historic project, Begona shares her love for reading, yoga, and exploring the outdoors. She highlights her interest in both science and art and her belief that humans share the need to explore and continuously learn.  Video length:  2:34.NASA eClips Ask SME: Close-up with a NASA Subject Matter Expert videos are professionally developed to capture a glimpse of NASA SME's personal interests and career journeys. Each can be used to spark student interest and broaden their ideas of the STEM workforce. Additional videos in this series can be found by searching GoOpenVA using "NASA eClips Ask SME".

Video Description:  Learn about the global cooperation to build the International Space Station, or ISS. Use a simple scale model to demonstrate the amazing mathematical relationship between the Earth and moon and see how the low-Earth orbit of ISS compares.  Video Length:  5:57.NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Our World videos (grades 3-5) help students understand the differences between science (the natural world) and engineering (the designed world).  These video segments supplement elementary learning objectives not only in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in reading, writing, visual and performing arts.

Video Description:   Find out how rocks brought to Earth by the Apollo astronauts have helped NASA learn more about the rock cycle. Compare igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks found on Earth to three types of rocks found on the moon.     Video Length:  4:08.NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Our World videos (grades 3-5) help students understand the differences between science (the natural world) and engineering (the designed world).  These video segments supplement elementary learning objectives not only in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in reading, writing, visual and performing arts.

Video Description:  Volcanoes play a role in how Earth looks today. Thanks to NASA's missions, we know more about volcanoes in our solar system. Studying volcanoes can teach us about the interior properties of the planets and moons. Learn how the slope equation is used to identify how a volcano was formed.  Video Length:  4:46.NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Real World segments (grades 6-8) connect classroom mathematics to 21st Century careers and innovations.  They are designed for students to develop an appreciation for mathematics through real-world problem solving.

Welcome to an out-of-this-world journey through our solar system! In this interactive lesson,students will embark on a journey to understand how changes in technology have impacted science learning through reading, hands-on model manipulation, projector visuals, model building, and newer technology like MERGE Cubes.

Students will apply their knowledge of the solar system in this two step challenge.  First they will use the attachments for their robot, Legos, and additional recyclable/craft supplies to create a space suit for their robot that will account for all of his basic needs while encountering the varying conditions in space.  Then, students will program their robot to visit the planets in size order starting with the largest planet.  Students can use number line mats, grid mats, or a piece of bulletin board paper to create their “map” of the solar system.  They will demonstrate their understanding by creating a diagram of the planets in order from the sun.

This lesson plan introduces SCRATCH based coding to help review the Solar System. Students will make a game for their peers to play. 

Join Joe as he embarks on an exploration of space in this episode of Super Science Show with Joe. Accelerate your way through the planets and take a closer look at our solar system. Learn how to design and build your own rockets at home- straw rockets- and launch them.

Do you think you know everything about the planets?? Come see how strong of a password you can make for the planets!

While 4th grade students are learning about space, this is a great resource to enhance students’ understanding of the solar system.