Big Idea: Planets and a variety of other bodies form a system of objects orbiting the sun.
Project Description: For thousands of years, scientists have created models to help us understand the solar system. Today’s knowledge of the solar systems is the result of discoveries that have been made over the centuries. Discoveries will continue to change our view of the solar system. In this project you will be become an expert on either one part of the solar system or a theory about the solar system from history. You will be in charge of creating a model of your topic based on one of the multiple intelligence project choices given. You will complete research, design and create a model, and present it to the class making sure to include all relevant and standards based information to your classmates. It is important that your project and presentation are quality work and convey accurate information as you are responsible for teaching this content to your classmates.
Standards: Three science standards will be assessed in this project.
PS 4: Models are used to represent objects, events, systems, and processes. Models can be used to test hypotheses and better understand phenomena, but they have limitations.
PS 8: Earth is the third planet from the sun in a system that includes the Moon, the Sun, seven other major planets and their moons, and smaller objects such as asteroids, plutoids, dwarf planets and comets. These bodies differ in many characteristics (e.g., size, composition, relative position).
PS 9: Most objects in the Solar System are in regular and predictable motion. These motions explain such phenomena as the day, the year, phases of the Moon, and eclipses.
Project Requirements:
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Create a quality model of your topic using one of the multiple intelligence project choices.
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Explain how your project is a model of your topic in one complete paragraph.
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Compare and contrast your model to our current understanding of the solar system in a t-chart.
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Explain the limitations of your model.
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Two complete research note-taking forms (one book & one internet) from valid and reliable sources.
Presentation Requirements:
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Presentation of all project requirements.
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Presentation includes answer to essential question for topic area.
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Completed Cornell Notes on all content from classmates’ presentations.
