Virtual Field Trip – Lesson Plan

Teacher: Nicole La Rosa Feedback Providers:

Topic: Understanding Earth and Space Systems – Space

Grade: 6 Subject: Science and Technology Time: ~ 50 minutes
OBJECTIVES
Ontario Curricular Expectations
3.1 Identify components of the solar system, including the sun, the earth, and other planets,
natural satellites, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids, and describe their physical
characteristics in qualitative terms.
3.3 Explain how humans meet their basic biological needs in space
3.4 Identify the technological tools and devices needed for space exploration

Lesson Objectives:
1. To identify specific physical characteristics of some of the components of the solar
system
2. To be able to explain how a human visiting the planet would be able to survive
3. Explain what technological tools would be needed to explore the planet

Social Objectives:
1. They will practice respect when others are sharing ideas and thoughts.
2. The students will practice active listening to the teacher and to their peers.

MENTAL SET         Estimated time: 5-6 minutes

Create a KWL Chart about the planets based on previous lessons (what do we know about
the planets? What do we want to know?), L can be completed later once we complete the
lesson (what we learned)
* We will also have the opportunity to reflect on the virtual field trip experience about
exploring Mars – found here - https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/

STATED OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE:     Estimated time – 3 minutes

1. After completing the mars https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/ virtual field trip. We are
going to use these learnings to apply them to a planet of your choice.
2. You will choose your planet, and using science books/technology resources/what we
know from the unit, you will determine the physical characteristics of your specified
planet, and determine how humans would survive here
3. The purpose is to learn about practical connections to the solar system, and
ultimately, determine if as a human we can visit a specific planet.
INPUT/ MODELLING/ DEMONSTRATION:    Estimated Time – 5-10 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=libKVRa01L8

Watch this YouTube video that explains each planet and some physical characteristics of
them. Consider watching it twice to allow the students to write down some key
characteristics of the planet of interest to them *

i.) PRACTICE     Estimated time: 30 minutes Materials:

Planet book
resources
In pairs, you will explore a planet and answer the following questions (science book)
(stated below). Each student will receive their science notebook and/or Electronic
a technological item (if accessible) to research their planet to come up resource (if
with their responses to the questions on a worksheet accessible)
Worksheet
Pencil
1) What is your planet? Why did you choose it?
2) What are some physical characteristics of your planet? How can Tactics:
these characteristics be a conflict to humans accessing the Examples:
planet? (consider conditions, temperatures, large bodies of
water etc.) Think, Pair, Share
3) Where is the planet located in relation to the Sun? Why does 4 Corners
knowing this information matter for humans? Round Robin
3-Step Interview
4) How would a human be able to survive on this planet? Inside/Outside
5) What are some technological tools needed to access this Circles
specific planet? Are these similar or different to the virtual mars Paraphrase
experience? Why? Passport
6) Name one cool fact you learned while researching this planet! Placemat
Other
The students will then present some of their findings to the class or to
another pair doing a different planet
They will explain: the physical characteristics of the planet, what a
human would need to survive and technological resources needed to
explore the planet.

CHECKS FOR UNDERSTANDING:

Throughout, the teacher will monitor the students learning and check for understanding by
walking around to answer questions and see how the students are engaging with the content
After explaining each section, the teacher will use the thumb up/thumb down method to
determine if the students are on the right track to learn.

*Reflection
CLOSURE:
I will thank everyone for their participation throughout the lesson, and for sharing their
findings to their peers.
Once they finish presenting, they will hand in the worksheets for review/their ticket out the
door.