Exploring Space: Planets and Astronaut Adventures
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we explore and express the wonders of our solar system, the life of astronauts, and the importance of space exploration through science and art?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the characteristics of each planet in our solar system?
- How do astronauts prepare for space travel and what do they do in space?
- Why is space exploration important?
- How can we express what we've learned about planets and astronauts through art?
- How do planets differ from one another?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the basic characteristics and facts about each planet in the solar system.
- Learn about the roles and responsibilities of astronauts, including how they prepare for and conduct space missions.
- Develop an understanding of the significance of space exploration to advancements in science and technology.
- Express understanding and knowledge of space through creative art projects and storytelling.
- Compare and contrast the planets in terms of size, composition, atmosphere, and orbit.
NGSS
Common Core Standards
National Core Arts Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsVirtual Space Mission
Launch the project with a live virtual tour of the International Space Station or a simulated mission to a distant planet. Students will watch astronauts conducting experiments and can submit questions to be answered live, stimulating inquiries about space travel and daily life in space.Cosmic Art Station
Begin the project with an art session where students sketch their visions of space, using inspiration from famous space-themed art pieces. This will bridge creativity with scientific curiosity, leading to questions on how space artists gather their ideas and the real celestial bodies they depict.Astronaut Interview
Invite a guest speaker, possibly a retired astronaut or a space scientist, for a Q&A session with the class. Students will prepare questions beforehand, sparking curiosity about the realities of space travel and leading to further investigation into the technical and personal experiences of astronauts.Rocket Launch Experience
Use virtual reality or videos to give students a front-row seat experience of a rocket launch. Witnessing the power and thrill of launch ignites curiosity and prompts questions about rocket science, astronaut training, and the destinations they embark upon.Planetarium Projection
Transform the classroom into a mini-planetarium with projections of the solar system, highlighting planets and their unique features. This immersive experience draws students into wondering about the mysteries of other worlds and starts inquiries into planetary science and exploration.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Planetary Passport
In this introductory activity, students will begin their exploration of the solar system by creating a 'Planetary Passport', a book where they collect information about each planet. This activity aims to familiarize them with key characteristics of the planets and promotes research skills.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 'Planetary Passport' booklet filled with information on each planet.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 2-ESS1-1 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2 by having students gather evidence about planetary characteristics and document them.Astronaut Adventure Journals
Students will delve into the life of astronauts by writing and illustrating journals about a day in the life of an astronaut. This activity combines scientific understanding with creative storytelling and artistic expression.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn illustrated class book featuring student journal entries about life as an astronaut.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2 by promoting informative writing and VA:Cr2.3.2 through artistic expression.Celestial Art Exhibit
Using artistic skills, students will create a celestial art exhibit showcasing various planets and events in space. This activity encourages creativity while reinforcing their understanding of planetary science.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 classroom art exhibition with individual student artworks and accompanying descriptions, shared with the school community.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with VA:Cr2.3.2 by challenging students to express planetary concepts through art and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.2 by explaining their artwork.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSolar System Exploration Rubric
Research and Content Understanding
Evaluates student ability to research and understand key planetary facts and astronaut roles, as well as articulate this understanding.Planetary Research
Assesses the thoroughness and accuracy of research conducted on assigned planets, including use of various sources and recording information correctly.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch is thorough, with accurate information sourced from multiple credible sources. Planetary attributes are comprehensively documented in the 'Planetary Passport.'
Proficient
3 PointsResearch is complete, with mostly accurate information from several sources. Key planetary attributes are clearly documented.
Developing
2 PointsResearch is inconsistent, with some correct information from limited sources. Basic planetary attributes are recorded but may lack depth.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal research with incomplete and inaccurate information. Planetary attributes are poorly documented or misunderstood.
Understanding Astronaut Roles
Measures student understanding of astronaut duties and life in space, as reflected in their journal entries and discussions.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an exceptional understanding of astronaut duties and life, with detailed and imaginative journal entries that capture daily routines and special missions.
Proficient
3 PointsShows a clear understanding of astronaut roles with detailed journal entries that cover key aspects of life and work in space.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays a basic understanding of astronaut roles with journal entries that mention some routines or duties but lack detail.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of astronaut roles, with incomplete journal entries that fail to accurately depict life in space.
Creative Expression
Assesses the creative and artistic components of the project including art creation and art exhibits.Artistic Representation of Planets
Evaluates the ability to creatively express knowledge of planets through art.
Exemplary
4 PointsArtwork displays exceptional creativity and effectively communicates planetary features and knowledge, using innovative use of materials.
Proficient
3 PointsArtwork is creative and successfully communicates most key planetary features, with effective use of materials.
Developing
2 PointsArtwork is somewhat creative and presents some planetary features, with a conventional use of materials.
Beginning
1 PointsArtwork lacks creativity and fails to clearly communicate planetary features, with limited use of materials.
Exhibit Presentation Skills
Measures the ability to articulate and present learned concepts through art exhibitions in front of peers or an audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents art exhibit with confidence and depth, effectively explaining planetary concepts and artistic choices.
Proficient
3 PointsShares art exhibit clearly, explaining main planetary concepts and artistic choices.
Developing
2 PointsPresents art exhibit with basic explanations and limited clarity regarding planetary concepts.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to present art exhibit, with inadequate explanations of concepts and choices.
Writing and Communication
Evaluates the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively through writing and oral presentations.Informative Writing
Assesses the quality and coherence of students' written work, including planetary facts and astronaut journal entries.
Exemplary
4 PointsWritten work is well-organized, coherent, and insightful, with a strong use of facts and details to support points.
Proficient
3 PointsWritten work is clear and organized, with good use of facts and details.
Developing
2 PointsWritten work is uneven, with some organization, but lacking in clarity and detail.
Beginning
1 PointsWritten work is poorly organized, unclear, and lacks sufficient facts and details.