A Walk in Space

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A Walk in Space

A Third Grade Science/Math/Reading/Writing WebQuest designed by Stephanie Edwards, Jennifer Hodges, Chad Irvin, and Jamie O'Neal

 

Introduction:

This WebQuest is anchored in third grade math and science. Reading and writing are other areas of study involved in this activity. The WebQuest focuses on the solar system, especially the nine planets. Students research the planets and apply this knowledge to decide which planet they would choose to live on. Then, students create a livable habitat on this planet, considering their new understanding of the planets.

 
NC- (2008) North Carolina Standard Course of Study
Subject: English Language Arts
Grade: Third Grade
Students in third grade apply the foundational skills learned earlier automatically and flexibly to decode and comprehend fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. They use critical thinking skills which they apply strategically across the disciplines to comprehend and clarify information and ideas. They compose fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama for a variety of purposes and audiences. Third graders become increasingly independent and flexible in their use of communication skills and strategies. The learner will:
  • Read with fluency and comprehension fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.
  • Apply strategies flexibly and strategically for recognizing words, learning new words, and constructing meaning from text(s).
  • Expand vocabulary through wide reading, word study, and discussion.
  • Write for a variety of audiences and purposes using appropriate formats.
  • Use active listening and effective oral communication.
  • Use media, a variety of information sources, and technological resources as tools for learning.
  • Apply grammar and language conventions to access and communicate information and ideas.
  • Reflect upon and make connections among language, texts, and personal experience.
  • Apply comprehension strategies and skills to a wide variety of genres
Goal 5: The learner will apply grammar and language conventions to communicate effectively
Standard 5.01 : Use correct capitalization (e.g., geographical place names, holidays, special events, titles) and punctuation (e.g., commas in greetings, dates, city and state; underlining book titles; periods after initials and abbreviated titles; apostrophes in contractions)
Standard 5.02 : Use correct subject/verb agreement
Standard 5.03 : Demonstrate understanding by using a variety of complete sentences (declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory) in writing and speaking
Standard 5.04 : Compose two or more paragraphs with
Benchmark or Practice: topic sentences
Benchmark or Practice: supporting details
Benchmark or Practice: appropriate, logical sequence
Benchmark or Practice: sufficient elaboration
Standard 5.06 : Proofread own writing for spelling and correct most misspellings independently with reference to resources (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, word walls).
Subject: Computer/Technology Skills (OLD)
Grade: Third Grade
Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information
Standard 3.1 : Create, save, and print a word processed document.
Standard 3.2 : Locate and use information in electronic databases.
Subject: Information Skills
Grade: Third Grade
In grades 3-5 the curriculum provides an introduction to independent learning experiences that include more in-depth research strategies and application of personal and evaluative criteria to reading for pleasure.
    Focus Areas
      The learners will:
    • be exposed to a wide variety of resources (print, non-print, electronic)
    • develop personal tastes through guided practice, contrast and compare authors, illustrators, genres, and styles
    • identify similarities and differences as related to their environments and personal experiences
    • use simple research models to acquire information
    • share activities in a variety of formats (print, graphical, audio, video, multimedia) to extend content of resources used
Goal 4: The learner will explore and use research processes to meet information needs.
Standard 4.01 : Identify information needs and formulate questions about those needs.
Standard 4.05 : Gather information.
Standard 4.07 : Organize and use information.
Subject: Science (implemented in the 2005-2006 school year)
Grade: Grade 3
Subject Area: The focus for third grade students is on identifying systems and patterns in systems. Systems are the units of investigations. A system is an interrelated group of objects or components that form a functioning unit. Students learn to identify portions of a system to facilitate investigation. Systems have boundaries, components, resources, flow and feedback. Guide student learning to continue to emphasize the unifying concepts previously introduced including evidence, explanation, measurement, order, organization, and change as well as the introduction at grade three of systems. The strands provide a context for teaching the content goals.
Goal 3: The learner will make observations and use appropriate technology to build an understanding of the earth/moon/sun system.
Standard 3.02 : Observe that objects in the sky have patterns of movement including:
Benchmark or Practice: Sun.
Benchmark or Practice: Moon.
Benchmark or Practice: Stars.
Subject: Mathematics (6-12)
Grade/Topic: Grade 3
Competency Goal 2: The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
Objective 2.02: Estimate and measure using appropriate units.
Example: b) Length (miles, kilometers)
Example: d) Temperature (Fahrenheit, Celsius).
Competency Goal 4: The learner will understand and use data and simple probability concepts.
Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including circle graphs and tables) to solve problems.

Student Experiences:

  • temperature, diameter, and distance 
  • atmospheric makeup, surface makeup
  • water availability, lifeform presence
  • food, shelter, transportation requirements
  • design and construction

 

Essential Question:

On which planet (other than Earth) will you decide to live, and how will you survive there?

 

Process:

  1. Assign students to groups of four.
  2. Give each group a copy of the book "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar Sytem." Students will participate in cooperative reading. This book serves as an introduction to the entire 'A Walk in Space' WebQuest.
  3. In groups, students will choose jobs to complete: Astronomer, Space Station Engineer, Space Navigator, and Reporter. Based on their chosen roles, students will complete their individual requirements. However, they will constantly communicate their findings, because each student's work is dependent on that of the others. All work depends on the planet they choose.
  4. Students will bring their individual work together and use their findings to make a diorama of the habitat they created on a particular planet.
  5. Finally, students will present their diorama and other projects to the class.

 

Resources:

  • Copies of the book "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System," by Joanna Cole
  • Computer Lab with Internet connection
  • Ordinary classroom materials (paper, pencils, crayons, scissors)
  • Art materials for diorama (shoe box, play dough, Popsicle sticks, paint, construction paper, pipe cleaners)

Credits and References:

http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/SolarSystem/ (source of graphic located on the Main Page)

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/index.cfm?Display=Mercury

http://www.coolcosmos.ipac.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/index.shtml

http://www.msnucleus.org/membership/html/k-6/uc/solar_system/5/ucss5_3a.html/

http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquest.html

 

Rubrics:
  1. Mission Criteria Mission Criteria
Web Links:
  1. Six Writing Traits Six Writing Traits
Author: Jamie O'Neal
Last modified: 10/31/2005 4:51 AM (EST)