Discovering Our Solar System
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Lesson 3 - Team Project: Mission to ... astronaut
 
Introduction

You have spent quite a bit of time researching the planets in our solar system. Now it is time to put that knowledge to work! You have been assigned to a crew that is going on a mission to one of our planets in order to determine what we will need to live on that planet. You will need to work with your other crew members to prepare for the mission by completing the steps below.

 
Standards
This lesson meets the State of Kansas Science standard 4, benchmark 3 - The student will identify and classify stars, planets and other Solar System components.
Indicator 3 - The student compares and contrasts the characteristics of stars, planets, moons, comets and asteroids.
Lesson Policies
All work will be completed at school with your crew mate. Please print the Crew Checklist. Complete the checklist as you work. You will have two weeks to complete lesson 3. If you need help please ask Miss Schaper.
Crew Patch Example
Each crew must design a crew patch before beginning your mission. Each crew member must design a rough draft using the crew patch organizer. Then use all the ideas to make a final version. Turn the final version in to Mission Control.
Mission

On your mission you will need to gather some information about your destination. Use your notes, the resource page, and any other sources you find to complete the data collection sheets. Assign one sheet to each crew member. Meet to check your data when you are finished.

Data Collection Sheet 1 Data Collection Sheet 2 Data Collection Sheet 3
Cyber Postcard
Send a postcard back to Earth from your destination. Follow your instructions on the postcard draft sheet and your crew checklist. Each crew member should complete a draft sheet. You can not save your work on the postcard so make sure to type your final version in MS word first. When you are ready go to the postcard site.
Resources
Use the resources on this page to find the information for your practice activity. You may use other resources if you wish. Remember to check the reliability of your source. Information about the planets changes quickly. Make sure to check more than one source.
Debriefing Session
Design a presentation for the debriefing session. You should include the information you gathered on your mission. Based on your data, what special skills, tools, or materials would we would need in order to live on the planet. Make sure to check the evaluation rubric for what your will be graded on.
Assessment
Your crew will be graded on teamwork and quality of product. Please see the evaluation rubric and teamwork rubric for details.
Grading Grading Scale
This lesson is worth a total of 50 points.
Crew Patch= 5 pts
Data collection = 10 pts
Debriefing Presentation= 25 pts
Teamwork = 10 pts
 A = 100 - 90%
B = 89 - 80%
C = 79 - 70%
D = 69 - 60%
F = 59% and below

Free clipart by Phillip Martin