Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)

Lesson Idea Name: The Universe’s Neighborhood

Content Area: Earth Science
Grade Level(s): 4th

Content Standard Addressed: S4E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and
contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets.

d. Evaluate strengths and limitations of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order,
appearance and composition of planets and the sun.

Technology Standard Addressed: 3- Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: PowerPoint

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): Teacher approved planet and game creators.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): PowerPoint is a great software for all students. It allows students to be
creative in creating presentations to display content/ information. PowerPoint presentations are very
appealing to the eye. They usually contain minimal words which make it easier for emergent readers or for
children who are easily distracted by words on a screen/page. PowerPoint usually has creative design features
to it, which make it fun for students.
Lesson idea implementation:
The PowerPoint video will be played to the whole class as a review of the unit of planets. Students will
participate in the game/activity embedded in the video. Students will record answers using clickers (the
teacher will have preset the clickers for each student). After the video is played the teacher will lead the class
in a discussion about each planet. The teacher will provide the students with more details about the
distinctions between each planet. Students will then have the opportunity to pick their favorite planet.
Students will then create the planet of their choice by using an online planet maker, paint, solar system
simulator, or software of their using (must be approved by the teacher). Students must incorporate the color,
size, atmosphere, and order of the planet in their composition.

This assignment will be graded using a rubric. Groups will have the opportunity to showcase their designs to
the class. The students will then guess which planet their peers have created. Students will have the
opportunity to explain why and how they built their planets. The students who come up with the most
realistic planets will have the displayed outside the classroom for others to see.

Spring 2018_SJB
 Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)
Reflective Practice: Students will have a better understanding of the planets in our solar system. They will be
able to distinctly distinguish between the nine different planets and be able to tell me details about each
planet. To extend further learning students will be required to create their own review game for students in
other classes. They can use a game generator (approved by the teacher) to create their game. Students will
then share their games with other classes to play. It will act as an added review for the students and for the
other classes.

Spring 2018_SJB