Students will be able to obtain and communicate information to model and compare the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors). 8.E.4B.1
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 224-229.
Discussion Topics
- 🤔Should Pluto be classified as a planet? 🤓Explain whether or not Pluto should be a planet using 3 or more specific characteristics and/or movements to justify your answer.
- If you had to characterize yourself as a dwarf planet, moon, asteroid, comet, meteoroid, meteor, meteorite which would you choose and why. Justify your selection using 2 or more specific characteristics and/or movements from this module's content knowledge resources.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 2) Application
Complete the Celestial Objects in the Solar System Table using this assignment TEMPLATE. |
(Level 5) Creation
Create your own celestial object field guide by creating a book, presentation, video or website demonstrating (using text, images, and/or video) the characteristics and movements of dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites that cause them to be classified differently. |
Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
- Complete a triple venn diagram for asteroids, meteoroids, comets.
- Complete the Celestial Objects Quizlet set.
(Level 2) Application
- Complete the Celestial Objects in the Solar System Table using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Play What Celestial Object Am I? Using the celestial object you randomly selected create a video or drawing that demonstrates your celestial object WITHOUT specifically saying what it is. This is like a game of charades. See how many people can correctly guess what celestial object you are.
- Tell a story about any celestial objects you may have observed. In your description discuss specific characteristics and movements this celestial objects has and what your experience was like observing it. Also, describe at least one celestial object you would like to observe and explain why using 2 or more characteristics and/or movements.
(Level 3) Analysis
- Complete Observing Space Objects in Space SEPUP investigation and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete Classifying Space Objects SEPUP investigation and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- Debate whether or not Pluto should be a planet using this assignment TEMPLATE.
(Level 5) Creation
- Create your own celestial object field guide by creating a book, presentation, video or website demonstrating (using text, images, and/or video) the characteristics and movements of dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites that cause them to be classified differently.
Lab Exploration
Additional Explorations
- What are 4 or more factors that affect the appearance of impact craters?
- Planetary motions around the Sun can be predicted using Kepler's three empirical laws, which can be explained based on Newton's' theory of gravity.
- Research and summarize what Kepler's three empirical laws are and what Newton's theory of gravity is.
- What is the likelihood that Earth will be struck by a large object form space?
- What might be the outcome of such as collision?
- Research historical impacts as well as predict the results of future impacts.
- What do scientists currently do to identify these objects?
- What might we be able to do to avoid such collisions?
- Research dwarf planets and argue from scientific information as to whether or not this new classification is needed.
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Analyze and interpret data to compare the properties of Earth and other planets (including composition, density, surface expression of tectonics, climate, and conditions necessary for life).
- Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and features of the Moon to support claims that it is unique among other moons in the Solar System in its effects on the planet it orbits.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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