Can You Planet?

Can You Planet?

An Astronomical Study

We just completed our space unit titled, Can You Planet? Students were highly engaged in this project. We kept moon journals and learned all about lunar landings, spinning planets and solar cookers. A special thank-you to all our wonderful parent volunteers who led the experiments.

Students were involved in research,writing and designing powerpoint presentations as well as teaching posters.The common core targets for this project are:

Common Core Targets:

(SF) ALT 2 - Describe Sun Earth Moon System

I can describe the Sun-Earth-Moon system. (Structure and Function: Earth/Space Science)

AST 2.1 - Describe How Earth Moves : I can describe how the Earth moves.

AST 2.2 - Describe How Tilt Earths Axis Seasons : I can describe how the tilt of the Earth’s axis results in seasons.

AST 2.3 - Explain Sun Moon Stars Appear : I can explain why the sun, moon and stars appear to move across the sky.

AST 2.4 - Identify Phases of the Moon : I can identify the phases of the moon.

AST 2.5 - Explain the Reason for Night and Day : I can explain the reason for night and day.

AST 2.6 - Describe Pattern Sunrise Moon Sunset : I can describe the daily pattern of sunrise, noon, sunset and night.

AST 2.7 - Describe Path Sun Appears in Sky : I can describe the path of how the sun appears in the sky throughout the year.

(IC) ALT 5 - Explain Sun Energy Affects Weather

I can explain how energy from the sun affects Earth’s weather and climate. (Interaction and Change: Earth/Space Science)

AST 5. 7 - Explain Earths Tilt Seasons Weather : I can explain how the tilt of the Earth affects the seasons and weather.

 Students recieved the following criteria:

You are about to embark on an excellent adventure to space! You will be joined by a team of fellow astronauts. Together you will prepare, plan and pack for your journey through the cosmos. You must complete preliminary requirements prior to embarking on your voyage. Once clearance for lift-off is granted, your team may depart for the beyond. Upon return to Earth, your team will unveil its findings in a presentation to the Space Commission.

Preparation requirements:

• Moon Journal: You will complete a moon journal in the form of a flip book documenting 28 days of the lunar cycle. You will be able to identify the phases of the Moon and explain why the moon appears to move through the sky.
• Space Log: You will complete a Space Log with sections for the Moon, the Sun and Earth. See attached sheet for section requirements. You may also choose to complete sections on any of the extra credit items.

• Trip Planner: Your Space Log must also contain a one page detailed description following the attached “Trip Planner” itinerary. This will include details on your shuttle, packing list, and visitation schedule.

Journey Requirements:

• Diary: Your Space Log will also chronicle your journey through space. It must include at least one diary style entry for the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. You may also choose to complete a diary entry for of the extra credit items. Each celestial object visited must also be drawn with key features labeled.

 Return to Earth Requirements:

• Presentation and Teaching Poster: You and your team will create a teaching poster for the Space Commission summarizing the preparation and trip through space. It will include visuals and/or Powerpoint presentation.

Extra credit locations: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, any of the 146+ moons in the our solar system, black holes, asteroids, comets, Pluto and other dwarf planets, constellations




Working in teams to design the presentation slides for their task.

Spinning planet experiment.



Solar cooker experiment.

Teamwork!!



Team posters

5 4 3 2 1  Blast Off!!



Enjoying our Smores cooked by solar cookers.



We had to change a variable in our solar cooker experiment, because of the lack of sun. The lamp helped us!

 Delicious!