| Summary
of Lesson: |
Students will learn that it is likely that some day humans may wish to colonize
Mars. They will address many issues that humans will face if they choose to
colonize. This is the first in a series of lessons that will take students
through a multidisciplinary adventure. The first lesson will take students
on an adventure throughout the solar system where they will compare and contrast
Earth to the other nine planets in the solar system. This lesson will take
one 90 minute block or 2 regular class periods |
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| Lesson
Details |
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| Objectives: |
The student will gather and analyze information comparing and contrasting
Earth to the other 8 planets in our solar system.
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| Setting: |
Computer lab with multiple computers would be beneficial, but it could be
done in a multi-computer classroom and in a one-computer classroom with the
use of the CD Rom Explore the Planets by Dr. G. Jeffrey Taylor and with
the aid of hard copy materials on planets provided by NASA. |
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| Procedures: |
Before Technology-Students should have an understanding of how to use the internet
to gather information.
Using Technology -Students should complete the attached chart (one for each
resource) using one of the web sites http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/nineplanet
s.html
, or http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/welcome.htm
, NASA Materials and the CD Rom Explore the Planets by Dr. G. Jeffrey
Taylor. The two web sites can be used by students of different levels.
After Technology – Students should compare their answers from the web site
to the information provided by NASA and from the CD Rom. The class should agree
on what information they will take as “Close to Fact” by analyzing the dates
of publications and sources from which the information came.
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| Technology Specific
Activity: |
Using the technology listed (CD Rom and web site) students should fill in
the spreadsheet/database with information on the planets. |
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| Assessment: |
Completion of the attached chart using a database or spreadsheet format, and
a paragraph explaining the top two choices for colonization and why they are
the top two. This could be counted as a class work grade or a quiz grade.
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| Standards Met: |
SC 8th grade science – III:A:1 – describe planets and compare/contrast
them to Earth.
Technology Standards – SC – 6th – 8th -A2 – Communicate
spreadsheets by entering data. A3 – Communicate with database by defining fields
and entering data, sorting and producing reports. C – basic understanding or
computer……. D1,4, 5 – Use electronic search strategies, local and world wide
networks, and use databases to perform research.
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| ISTE Standards: |
Grade 6th – 8th - 3 – Exhibit legal
and ethical behaviors when
using information and technology. 4- Use content specific tools, software and
simulations. 10 – Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness,
comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world
problems.
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| Materials |
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| Resources: |
Prentice Hall Astronomy Science Book (2001), NASA planet fact cards,
NASA’s web sight, Windows on Mars- http://mars2030.com
, http://spacelink.nasa.gov , http://core.nasa.gov , http://DiscoverySchool.com |
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| Software: |
Excel, Access or Works Database, Internet Explorer |
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| Hardware: |
Computer, printer,
Infocus Projector, CD Rom Drive |
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