Lesson Plan

Dominique Cameron
May 5th, 2010
EDTP 563

Lesson Plan Title: Planets
Concept / Topic To Teach: Planets in the Solar System
Grade Level: 5th grade
Standards Addressed: Earth Sciences

5. The solar system consists of planets and other bodies that orbit the Sun in predictable paths. As a basis for understanding this concept: a. Students know the Sun, an average star, is the central and largest body in the solar system and is composed primarily of hydrogen and helium.
b. Students know the solar system includes the planet Earth, the Moon, the Sun, eight other planets and their satellites, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets.
c. Students know the path of a planet around the Sun is due to the gravitational attraction between the Sun and the planet.

General Goal(s): To have a basic understanding of the planets in the solar system. Know the unique characteristic of each planet and the order they rank in from the sun out.

Specific Objectives:
*For students to have a basic understanding of the planets
*For students to be able to describe the planet’s characteristics
*For students to be able to understand what each planet is made up of
*For students to be able to know the planets in order from the sun out
* For students to be able to do a presentation based on their knowledge of a single Planet

Required Materials: PowerPoint presentation, access to a computer,
Paper Mache materials- Newspaper, balloons, paint, glue, paintbrushes, and workspace

Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): Ask the students what they already know about the Planets. Start with a KWL chart.

Step-By-Step Procedures:
*fill out the KWL chart.
* Present PowerPoint presentation
*Have students get in groups of 3-4 students.
*Assigned each group a specific planet
*Each group will paper Mache a planet as well as present it to the class with 10 informative facts about the planet.

Plan For Independent Practice:
*Students will research the facts on their own. During each day a separate group will have tie to visit the library and have computer access to research about their planet. On the classroom website will be many helpful websites to look at. This will include the website that I have prepared.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set): Follow up with students. Ask some students to share what their favorite Planet as well as some ideas that they are going to do to research the project.