Mrs. Meeks’ Classroom Edit display name

About my class

Although my students could easily watch a video or draw a visual for better understanding, slowing down and analyzing size differences, colors during their painting session and choosing their planet sizes, etc. will help them understand the concept of planet differences as well as their different orbiting patterns. The dialogue that would occur, while in the midst of the project will further their understanding of not only this specific science concept but others as well while making connections. It is proven that hands on activities that create an experience verses verbal or written, help students to remember lessons and also enjoy their learning process. For this project, students will use the Styrofoam balls and correlate the sizes to the planets they are to represent, comparing their sizes and terrain features through research. Using the paint and technology, they will then paint their planets based on each planets physical characteristics i.e. colors, patterns, etc. Once dry, the dowel rods will be used to represent not only the connection the planets have within their orbit to the sun but also will represent their distances between one another; This in turn will give the students a more contextual visual of the planets in relation to one another, while learning about their similarities and differences.