Grade(s):
Middle School
Subject(s):
Science
All
Preschool
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
Middle School (6-8)
Kindergarten
1st Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
High School (9-12)
All
Art
Business
Computer Science
Counseling
ELA
Math
Library Media Services
International Language
Industrial Technology
Family and Consumer Science
Health
Music Education
STEAM
Special Education
Performing Arts
Physical Education
Visual Arts
Technology
Science
Social Studies
PEAK / Gifted
Summer School
Title:
Race to a new space
Timing:
3 weeks
Driving Question:
How long will it be before we leave the solar system/visit all planets in the solar system?
Project Description:
Students create a travel plan/timeline of human expansion within the solar system (between celestial bodies), leading to travel outside of the solar system. Who can get us there the fastest?
Final Product(s):
- Students research the history of space travel and advances in technology over the last 65 years (Starting with the announcement in 1955 that the US would put a satellite into space (done by the Soviet Union in 1957)), unmanned and manned flights leading to the lunar landing in 1969 and up to today with private companies leading the way. (Thinking a 1 day activity, possible gallery walk.)
- Students research current propulsion technology, proposed technologies and estimate advancements over the next millennium. (To save time in research, give students a travel speed that changes every 50/100 years. Keeps them from making the speeds impossible to win.)
- Students research human necessity (food, water, air, heat, medicine...) and how these things could be obtained/achieved in space. (Thinking a 1 day discussion, possible survival game.)
- Students research each planet and compile data on each (surface conditions, atmosphere, orbit, rotation/day, gravity/mass). (Group jigsaw to compile and share all planet info or presentations.)
- Students create a model showing proper scale and distance between celestial bodies and orbital map. (Several days with calculations, physical representation of scale.)
- Students create a utilize an orbital map of the solar system to plan travel (flight plan) between celestial bodies (Research/data table showing planet day/year and when are celestial bodies closest/further away due to elliptical orbit. Found several interactive planetary orbit simulations that are perfect to help create their flight plan/timeline).
Essential Standards:
- PS2.B.2 Create and analyze a graph to use as evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions depend on the mass of interacting objects.
- ESS1.A.3 Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
- ESS1.B.1 Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Potential Community Outreach:
Teacher Reflection:
This was created during a PBL session. It has yet to be done in the classroom.
Supporting Documents (optional):
Images:
#1
#2
#3
Your content has been submitted
An error occurred. Try again later
Tried this project? Add your adjustments or comments on how it went below.
Include File:
Include Image:
bbf5659e-1790-4940-849e-6cc44ae8f37a
Your comment has been submitted
An unknown error occurred. Make sure you are logged in, and try again
Add your own comments:
ERROR- Please try again. Only logged in users can edit projects.
CHANGES SAVED!