Planet Research Project - PBL - STEM

If you would like to purchase the 100% EDITABLE version of this product, click here! Great for differentiation!

This resource can be printed and used in the classroom or be used for distance learning with Google Slides.

Inspire and engage your students in the mysteries of Space!

In our solar system, 8 large astronomical bodies, called planets, orbit the sun. The Inner planets, (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) are rocky in composition, while the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) are gaseous. The knowledge we gain from studying the planets within our Solar System can be used to help us understand future planetary discoveries. For this assignment, students choose a planet to study and create a project to showcase their learning.

This resource guides students through conducting their own research report on a planet in the solar system. After choosing a planet to focus on, students are asked to conduct research using the Internet and books while following criteria. Next, students are asked to share their learning by creating a poster board, presentation board, power point presentation, or dodecahedron (Instructions and Pentagon Template included). A 3D model may also be constructed to further display learning. Finally, students present their work to the class.

To help students choose a research topic (and to introduce the project to the class) we have included a PowerPoint that features each planet in the solar system.

Can be done in partners. Printable Evaluation forms included!

This Project Package Includes:

- Rationale

- Step by Step Instructions

- Student Criteria Checklist

- Research Topics List (with descriptions)

- How To Conduct Research

- How To Avoid Plagiarism

- Research Notes Template w/ Criteria (2 pages)

- Research Notes Page

- Presentation Options Page

- Dodecahedron Instructions (w/ Pentagon Template)

- Dodecahedron Construction Page (w/ Photos)

- How To Build a 3D Model

- 3D Model Instructions

- 3D Model Design Page

- Reference List Instructions

- 3D Model Example Photos

- Student Self-Assessment Write-Up (2-pages)

- Printable Evaluation Forms

- Project Rubric

- Research Topics PowerPoint (10-pages)

- Access to Google Slides (Distance Learning)

Please note that this resource is specifically designed for studying planets. If you would like your students to study any topic related to Space (including planets), please purchase Space Project - PBL - STEM, as they are similar products.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students are challenged to actively learn about a subject for an extended period of time. It is a form of active learning or inquiry-based learning. Project-Based Learning is in contrast to paper-based, rote memorization, or teacher-led instruction that presents established facts. Please be aware of what you are purchasing.

Thanks so much,

Creative Lab

More Like This:

Planet Project Craft - STEM - PBL

Solar System Planet Project - Interactive Fans

Tags: space, planet project, research project, stem, pbl, project based learning, planets, planet, planet project, solar system, outer space,mercury, venus, earth, the moon, mars, jupiter, saturn, uranus, neptune, pluto, cosmology, space travel, no prep, print and go