Exploring Gravity: Our Solar System Adventure

High School Grade Project 2 weeks

Exploring Gravity: Our Solar System Adventure

Francesca Patterson

ESS.1.A

ESS.1.B

3-5.AF.3.1

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Purpose

Discover how gravity shapes our solar system by exploring how it moves planets and stars. Build models and work together to find out why the Sun looks so bright and how gravity keeps planets in their paths. This project helps you learn about Earth's spot in the universe by using science in fun, real-life ways.

Learning goals

Learn how gravity affects how planets and other objects move in space. Practice planning and doing experiments to find out more about the solar system. Work together to make models and drawings that show how the solar system is set up and how it works. Share what you learn by giving presentations and creating art.

Standards

ESS.1.A - The Universe and Its Stars
ESS.1.B - Earth and the Solar System
3-5.AF.3.1 - Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence, using fair tests in which variables are controlled and the number of trials considered.

Products

We'll create a big mural or poster showing the solar system, using what we've learned and adding creative touches. You'll make a digital presentation or video to explain how gravity works in our solar system, using the evidence we've gathered. Get ready to share your discoveries at the 'Cosmic Inquiry Panel,' where you'll present and answer questions from parents, teachers, and other students.

Launch

Let's turn our classroom into a 'Cosmic Construction Zone' where we'll work together to build a model of the solar system. We'll use different materials to show the sizes and distances of the planets from the Sun. As we build, we'll talk about how gravity keeps everything in orbit, getting us ready for our investigations.

Exhibition

Invite your family, teachers, and friends to a 'Cosmic Inquiry Panel' where you show off your solar system mural or poster. Share your digital presentations or videos to explain how gravity makes planets move. Answer questions from the audience and talk about what you learned from your investigations.

Remixed from Building the Universe: Gravity's Cosmic Dance

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Set up the classroom as a 'Cosmic Construction Zone.' Begin by brainstorming and gathering materials for building a model of the solar system. Consider using items like balloons for planets, ribbons for orbits, and markers for labeling.	Activity 2: Research the solar system. Work in groups to find out how big each planet is and how far away it is from the Sun. Use books, videos, and online resources to understand how gravity keeps them in orbit.	Activity 3: Start constructing your scale model. Each group takes charge of a planet, ensuring it is the right size and distance from the Sun using the materials gathered. Place the planets in the correct order.	Activity 4: Carry out a simple gravity experiment. Use different sized balls and drop them from various heights to observe how gravity pulls them to the ground. Record your observations and discuss what you notice.	Activity 5: Share your initial ideas about gravity and the solar system in a feedback session. Listen to others' thoughts and use the observations from your gravity experiment to refine your understanding.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A partially completed scale model of the solar system that accurately represents the sizes and distances of the planets. 2. Deliverable 2: A set of written initial hypotheses about gravity's effect on the solar system, supported by observations from the gravity experiment.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials for the model-building activity, such as balloons, ribbons, markers, and any other craft supplies students might need. 2. Prep Task 2: Collect books, videos, and online resources about the solar system for students to use during their research. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare materials for the gravity experiment, including different sized balls and a safe area where students can conduct their tests. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize the classroom space to facilitate group work and ensure all materials are accessible to students. 5. Prep Task 5: Develop a simple guide for students to document their observations and hypotheses during activities.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Complete your scale model of the solar system. Work together to ensure accuracy in the sizes and distances of the planets. Once finished, bring all groups' planets together to form a unified model.	Activity 2: Start designing a mural or poster that represents the solar system. Use your model as a guide, and include colorful and creative elements to showcase how gravity keeps planets in orbit.	Activity 3: Create a digital presentation or video explaining how gravity influences the movement of planets and other objects in the solar system. Use the data gathered from your Week 1 experiments as evidence.	Activity 4: Engage in a reflective discussion to review the data from your investigations. Assess whether it supports or challenges your initial ideas about gravity. Update your hypotheses based on what you've learned.	Activity 5: Prepare for the 'Cosmic Inquiry Panel' by practicing your presentation. Conduct a mock panel where you present your mural or poster and digital project to classmates and receive constructive feedback.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A completed scale model of the solar system, showing accurate sizes and distances. 2. Deliverable 2: A detailed mural or poster illustrating the solar system with artistic and scientific elements. 3. Deliverable 3: A digital presentation or video that explains the role of gravity in the solar system. 4. Deliverable 4: Revised hypotheses and conclusions based on a reflective discussion of your project's findings.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide materials for completing the model and creating the mural, such as paints, large paper, and brushes. 2. Prep Task 2: Ensure access to computers or tablets for students to create digital presentations or videos. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a space for the reflective discussion, perhaps using a circle format to encourage participation. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange a practice area for the mock 'Cosmic Inquiry Panel' so students can rehearse their presentations. 5. Prep Task 5: Prepare feedback forms or guidelines to facilitate constructive peer feedback during the mock panel.