In this task, you will be writing a report about one of the planets in our solar system. You will need to research your planet and take notes about what you think is important and interesting information. You will color code the notes according to the Painted Essay format. After taking notes you may begin the writing process and use the Painted Essay format. Begin with a strong introduction, with interesting details/facts, and thesis statement. Next, write your supporting detail paragraphs, making sure that your details connect with your thesis statement. Finally, write a concluding paragraph to summarize what you have learned. Look over the writing rubric to assist you and to make sure that all components are included in your report. You will share your report with your classmates. 1 of 13
Suggested Grade Span 3 5 Task In this task, you will be writing a report about one of the planets in our solar system. You will need to research your planet and take notes about what you think is important and interesting information. You will color code the notes according to the Painted Essay format. After taking notes you may begin the writing process and use the Painted Essay format. Begin with a strong introduction, with interesting details/facts, and thesis statement. Next, write your supporting detail paragraphs, making sure that your details connect with your thesis statement. Finally, write a concluding paragraph to summarize what you have learned. Look over the writing rubric to assist you and to make sure that all components are included in your report. You will share your report with your classmates. Big Ideas and Unifying Concepts Models Order and organization Scale Systems Earth Science Concept Solar system Mathematics Concepts Estimation Measurement Time Required for the Task Four or more hours. Context This task was a part of the culmination of our unit on the solar system. As a class we investigated many aspects of the solar system. We learned about the order of planets, distance 2 of 13
from the sun, size and composition, orbits and revolutions, seasons and many other relevant concepts. Using the AIMS resource "Out of This World" we were able to conduct a number of more hands-on activities related to scale, size and measurement. We also learned about constellations and moons and the differences between these and planets. What the Task Accomplishes In this assessment task, students demonstrated several skills and concepts. The first was their ability to research, take notes in an organized way and put these into a report format. Students had access to a variety of resources such as encyclopedias, nonfiction books and the Internet. Students were also assessed on their understanding and use of the Painted Essay format. Finally, students were assessed using the Exemplars Science Rubric on the conceptual understanding of their topic. How the Student Will Investigate Students worked individually to write their report about a planet in our solar system. Students had access to the resources mentioned above as well as to any notes from their science journals. Students used the writing process to create a rough draft, edit and then conference with me. After their conference they wrote their final drafts and created a poster to go with their report. The poster included pictures, diagrams, labels and brief descriptions to further enhance the content of their report. Once their final drafts were done, students shared their reports with the class. Interdisciplinary Links and Extensions Language Arts This task was a wonderful way to integrate writing with science. Science is rich with ways to integrate writing, whether formal writing, like a narrative, poem or essay, or more informal writing, like science journals and recording sheets. During this unit we also read many spacerelated myths and created our own myths to explain one of the mysteries of the solar system. Here is some related children's literature, mainly nonfiction, to share with students: The Magic School Bus Gets Lost in Space, by Joanna Cole The Planets: Exploring the, by Roy A. Gallant Stars and Planets, by David H. Levy Our, by Seymour Simon There are also many, many books about each planet by various authors. 3 of 13
Mathematics The AIMS resource "Out of This World" has numerous hands-on mathematical activities. Activities such as calculating your weight on different planets due to changes in gravitational force, converting miles into inches and feet, and measuring how far planets are from the sun and from each other. The latter activity can then be mapped out on an outside athletic field so that students can visualize the vast distances. There are many other activities to enrich this unit. Social Studies/History During the course of a unit on the solar system it is appropriate to also explore the history of our understanding of space and space exploration. You can also investigate current events related to space travel and technology. Teaching Tips and Guiding Questions If you are not familar with the Painted Essay format for writing and would like to learn about using this effective process, please see "Writing Is Elementary" from Exemplars Developing Writing Series, K-4. http://www.exemplars.com/materials/rwr/index.html#dwk4 What resources will you get information? How will you know what ideas to include in your notes? How will you organize your notes? What ideas should you include in your introduction paragraph? How will you engage your reader? What will be your thesis statement? What ideas will you include in your supporting paragraphs? What main concepts should be included? How are ideas related to your thesis? How will you conclude your report? How will you summarize everything that you have learned? How will you represent your ideas from your report on a poster? What have you learned about your planet? What impacted or interested you the most? Concepts to be Assessed (Unifying concepts and big ideas and science concepts to be assessed using the Exemplars Science Rubric under the criterion: Science Concepts and Related Content) Earth Science : Students understand that the earth is one of several planets that orbits the sun, and that the moon orbits around the earth. Students observe that the sun is a star and light energy from the sun heats the earth, and that other planets receive heat energy and light in different amounts depending on their distance from the sun. Students understand that there are nine planets in our solar system (each a different size, composition and surface). Students recognize that the pattern of stars in the sky stay the same (although they appear to move aross the sky), and that different stars can be seen in different seasons. 4 of 13
Mathematics: Students apply the concept of estimation and use precise measurements. Skills to be Developed (Science process skills to be assessed using the Exemplars Science Rubric under the criteria: Scientific Procedures and Reasoning Strategies, and Scientific Communication Using Data) Scientific Method: Researching, recording observations and data, using data to construct a reasonable explanation, drawing conclusions, making inferences, communicating findings and challenging misconceptions. Other Science Standards and Concepts Addressed Scientific Method: Students describe, predict, investigate and explain phenomena. Scientific Theory: Students look for evidence that explains why things happen and modify explanations when new observations are made. Communication: Students use verbal and nonverbal skills to express themselves effectively. Suggested Materials Paper and pencil Books, Internet, journals and other resources Computer for research and for typing final drafts Possible Solutions The key components of an effective solution will include the following: A strong opening paragraph with enough interesting details/facts to engage the reader A thesis statement that clearly articulates the topic(s) to be discussed in the report and that gives a clear sense of direction to the reader Paragraphs that support the thesis statement with depth of information about the topic Accurate facts and details Strong coherence and purpose throughout the report A concluding paragraph that clearly summarizes so the reader remembers key ideas In addition, appropriate vocabulary should be used and conceptual understanding of their planet/topic should be demonstrated. 5 of 13
Task-Specific Assessment Notes Novice The student includes an partially effective introductory paragraph and some interesting facts. A thesis statement is given, but it is not particularly thoughtful or engaging. The paragraphs include some supporting details and facts, but it is not clear how these are directly connected to the thesis statement. The facts and details are accurate. There is some evidence of coherence and purpose but there is not enough depth of information. The student's conclusion restates the thesis statement and summarizes a few of the key ideas. Apprentice The student includes an partially effective introductory paragraph and some interesting facts. A thesis statement is given and it is clear and thoughtful. The paragraphs include some supporting details and facts, but it is not clear how these are directly connected to the thesis statement. The facts and details are accurate. There is some evidence of coherence and purpose, but there is not enough depth of information. The student's conclusion restates the thesis statement and summarizes some of the key ideas. Practitioner The student includes an effective and engaging introductory paragraph and several interesting facts. A thesis statement is given and it is clear and thoughtful. The paragraphs include many supporting details and facts that are directly connected to the thesis statement. The facts and details are accurate. There is evidence of coherence and purpose and a depth of information is provided. The student's conclusion restates the thesis statement and summarizes some of the key ideas. Expert The student includes an effective and engaging introductory paragraph and several interesting facts. A thesis statement is given and it is clear and thought-provoking. The paragraphs include many supporting details and facts that are directly connected to the thesis statement. The facts and details are accurate. There is evidence of coherence, a clear purpose and a depth of information is provided. The student includes a strong conclusion that restates the thesis statement and summarizes a number of the key ideas. There is a clear voice and tone throughout the report. 6 of 13
Novice 7 of 13
Apprentice 8 of 13
Practitioner 9 of 13
Practitioner 10 of 13
Practitioner 11 of 13
Expert 12 of 13
Expert 13 of 13