Empathize
Students will collect and analyze data on the sizes and features of planets, conducting interviews and surveys with community partners like ECSU Khan Planetarium and guest speakers, while exploring the latest space exploration findings to gain insights into the universe's scale and structure.
Days 1 - 3
Define
Students will synthesize their learned exploration data to define a problem statement related to the impact of the gravitational forces of the Sun, Earth, and Moon on celestial phenomena, collaborating with peers to brainstorm actionable solutions using insights from visits to the ECSU Khan Planetarium and guest speakers.
Days 4 - 6
Ideate
Students will collaborate in small groups to brainstorm and propose creative solutions for visualizing the scale and distances in the solar system, considering insights gathered from interaction with community partners and data analysis activities.
Days 7 - 10
Prototype
Students will develop and test physical and digital prototypes of solar system models using advanced software from ECSU Khan Planetarium, assessing and refining their accuracy and creativity through feedback from classmates and expert community partners.
Days 11 - 15
Test/Present
Students will present their solar system models to classmates and community partners at the 'Solar System Showcase,' incorporating infographics and interactive presentations to illustrate planetary scale and structure, while engaging in peer critiques and collecting feedback for final revisions.
Days 16 - 20