Planet Research and 3-D Model Project

Becoming an “expert” on a planet and creating a planet model is always one of my students' highlights of the year. This solar system project includes three parts: planet research project, 3-D model, and presentation.

You can complete the planet research and model at school if you prefer. I work with students on the research in school, and they complete the 3-D model at home.

I do all the research at school before students begin working on the model at home. In this way, students are already “experts” before starting the 3-D model project.

Week 1: Students choose the planet they want to study and complete the research. I send the parent note home at the end of week one and attach the card stock holder and the fun fact page.

Week 2: Students work on the 3-D model at home. Students can complete the planet research at school if you have two weeks allotted for the solar system. Or, you can finish the research during week one and move on to the next science concept.

When the planets are due, schedule time for students to present their models to the class; the model presentation is meant to be short- about 2 minutes per student. Students will present in the order shown on the rubric and share the five facts listed on the holder.

Description of Project Choices:

- Choice #1 is a Planet Shape book. Students compile basic information about each planet and share it in the shape book. You will need two pieces of paper per student.

-Choice #2 is a Planet Factbook. Students compile information such as characteristics, location, number of rings and moons, and five facts they feel are most important. You will need two pieces of paper per student.

- Choice #3 is a Planet Newsletter that requires technology. Students will be creating a newsletter by filling in the text boxes. This would work best on a desktop computer or Chromebook. It can be created in Google slides or PowerPoint using premade templates specific to each application. Students can compile basic information and any additional information you require, such as when the planet was discovered, theweather on the planet, etc. The completed newsletters can be printed or saved as a pdf and posted to a class website.

Links to Planet Newsletter Templates in Google are included in the PDF and step-by-step directions for posting to Google Classroom. PowerPoint templates are located in a folder within the zipped file and include directions.

-Choice #4 is a Planet newsletter, but this choice does not require technology. Print the PDF version of the black and white newsletter templates (named Black and White newsletter templates NO TEXT BOXES). Students will complete the newsletter template by writing the information in the boxes and coloring in the newsletter when finished. The PDF version is located within the folder containing this resource.

This resource includes:

★ Suggested timeline/lessons to complete model and planet report

★ Planet Model letter for parents (if students are completing the model at home)

★ 3-D Model suggestions and photos

★ Planet anchor chart

★ Planet selection slips (students love to vote for the planet they want to research!)

★ Master list (to keep track of the planet each student is researching)

★ Recommended websites for planet research

★ Handy slips to give to students with websites listed

★ Four project choices (planet shape book, planet fact book, and planet newsletter templates in Google or PowerPoint).

★★ Grading rubrics for the research project, 3-D model, and presentation of the3-D model (NEW- Editable Versions of planet letter and rubrics are included. These editable templates are created in PowerPoint. Directions are included to editing these documents!)

This is a fun yet meaningful project that students will enjoy and remember! Please see the preview for examples of everything that is included.

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Other science resources you may be interested in:

• National Parks Weather Project
• Forms of Energy Robot Project- FREEBIE!
• Animal Adaptations Science and Writing Project
• Landforms Science and Writing Project
• Inherited Traits and Learned Behaviors Science and Writing Project

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Thank you!

Krista

-The Knitted Apple