Cosmic Creations: Scaling the Solar System
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as space scientists, use scaled models and digital representations to accurately show the distances between different celestial bodies in our solar system?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we represent the vast distances and sizes in space accurately?
- What are the unique characteristics of my assigned celestial body?
- How do different planets, stars, and moons compare in size and composition?
- What tools and techniques can we use to create scaled models?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Research and describe the characteristics of a planet, star, or moon.
- Create a professionally colored, scaled model of a celestial body on card stock.
- Develop a scaled digital representation of the assigned celestial body using the aspect ratio tool on a google slide.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsBuild a Solar System
Divide the class into groups and assign each group a set of materials (card stock, colored pencils/markers, large rolled paper). Then have the group construct a model of the solar system. Adding their information graphic "card" to each celestial body.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Celestial Body Research Station
Students begin by researching their assigned celestial body (planet, star, or moon). They will gather information about its size, composition, unique features, and its distance from other celestial bodies.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA half-page infographic summarizing the key characteristics of the assigned celestial body, including its actual size and real color, from trusted primary sources like NASA.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Research and describe the characteristics of a planet, star, or moon.Card Stock/Large Paper Scale Model
Students will use a scale factor determined in their math class, along with the actual size of their celestial body, to calculate the size of their model. This activity focuses on accurately scaling down the celestial body to fit on the card stock (or large paper for the Sun) while maintaining proportions and creating a professional colored model. The colors used must represent the celestial body as seen from space, not as perceived through Earth's atmosphere.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA correctly scaled and professionally colored and labeled celestial body on card stock, using the provided scale factor and accurate colors as seen from space. Students assigned the Sun will create a correctly scaled model using large paper, ready for wall assembly.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Create a professionally colored, scaled model of a celestial body on card stock.Digital Scale Model Design
Students will create a scaled digital representation of their assigned celestial body on a Google Slide, using a PNG image and the aspect ratio tool. This activity emphasizes the correct use of aspect ratio to maintain accurate proportions when scaling the image.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA Google Slide with a scaled PNG image of the assigned celestial body, correctly sized using the aspect ratio tool, and labeled with the celestial body's name and scale factor.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Develop a scaled digital representation of the assigned celestial body using the aspect ratio tool on a google slide.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCelestial Body Scale Model Portfolio Rubric
Celestial Body Research
Evaluates the quality and accuracy of research conducted on the assigned celestial body.Information Accuracy and Detail
Assesses the accuracy, depth, and relevance of the information presented about the celestial body's characteristics, size, composition, and unique features.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides comprehensive and accurate information about the celestial body, demonstrating a deep understanding of its characteristics, size, composition, and unique features. Information is presented with a high level of detail and insight.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides accurate information about the celestial body, covering its key characteristics, size, composition, and unique features. Demonstrates a good understanding of the topic.
Developing
2 PointsProvides mostly accurate information about the celestial body, but some details may be missing or unclear. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides limited or inaccurate information about the celestial body, with significant gaps in understanding. Fails to address key characteristics, size, composition, or unique features effectively.
Source Reliability and Credit
Evaluates the use of reliable and credible sources for research and if credit was given to the source.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses multiple reliable and credible sources (e.g., NASA website, vetted educational sites, textbooks) to gather information. Sources are properly credited.
Proficient
3 PointsUses mostly reliable and credible sources to gather information. Sources are generally credited.
Developing
2 PointsUses some reliable sources, but may also include less credible sources. Giving credit to sources may be inconsistent or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsRelies on unreliable or non-credible sources for information. Sources are not credited.
Card Stock Scale Model
Assesses the accuracy of the scaled model and the quality of its presentation on card stock.Scaling Accuracy
Evaluates the accuracy of the scaled size calculation and its representation on the card stock model, using the provided scale factor.
Exemplary
4 PointsCalculates and applies the scale factor with exceptional accuracy, resulting in a precise and correctly sized model on the card stock. Demonstrates a strong understanding of scaling principles.
Proficient
3 PointsCalculates and applies the scale factor accurately, resulting in a correctly sized model on the card stock. Demonstrates a good understanding of scaling principles.
Developing
2 PointsCalculates and applies the scale factor with some errors, resulting in a model that is not perfectly scaled but generally represents the correct proportions. Shows a basic understanding of scaling principles.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to calculate and apply the scale factor, resulting in an inaccurately sized model on the card stock. Demonstrates a limited understanding of scaling principles.
Professional Workmanship
Evaluates the neatness, coloring, shading, and labeling of the card stock model.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe card stock model is exceptionally neat, professionally colored, and shaded to accurately represent the celestial body. Includes detailed and accurate labeling. Demonstrates high attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Proficient
3 PointsThe card stock model is neat, well-colored, and shaded to represent the celestial body effectively. Includes accurate labeling.
Developing
2 PointsThe card stock model shows some effort in coloring and shading, but may be somewhat messy or inaccurate. Labeling may be incomplete or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe card stock model is poorly colored, messy, and lacks appropriate shading. Labeling is missing or inaccurate.
Digital Scale Model
Assesses the accuracy of the scaled digital representation and the correct use of the aspect ratio tool.Aspect Ratio and Scaling
Evaluates the correct use of the aspect ratio tool in Google Slides to create an accurately scaled digital representation of the celestial body.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates mastery in using the aspect ratio tool to precisely scale the PNG image, maintaining accurate proportions. Includes an arrow pointing to the planet and a label.
Proficient
3 PointsUses the aspect ratio tool correctly to scale the PNG image, maintaining accurate proportions. Includes an arrow pointing to the planet and a label.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to use the aspect ratio tool, but the scaling may be slightly inaccurate, resulting in minor distortions of the image. Shows a basic understanding of the tool. Includes an arrow pointing to the planet and a label.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to use the aspect ratio tool correctly, resulting in a distorted or inaccurately scaled image. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the tool. Includes an arrow pointing to the planet and a label.
Labeling and Workmanship
Evaluates the clarity and accuracy of the labeling on the Google Slide, including the celestial body's name and scale factor.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe Google Slide is clearly and accurately labeled with the celestial body's name and the scale factor used. The presentation is professional and easy to understand.
Proficient
3 PointsThe Google Slide is labeled with the celestial body's name and the scale factor used. The presentation is clear and understandable.
Developing
2 PointsThe Google Slide includes some labeling, but it may be incomplete or unclear. The presentation may be somewhat disorganized.
Beginning
1 PointsThe Google Slide lacks appropriate labeling or is difficult to understand. The presentation is poorly organized.