Patterns in the universe
Performance Task: How can patterns be used to describe the universe??
Time Frame: 2 days (120 minutes)
CCR Standards: Reading Anchor Standards 1 & 9, Writing Anchor Standards 1, 4, 6 & 8
Your assignment: You are a famous astronomer who has been invited to speak to a group of exceptionally bright eighth grade students about the solar system. You want to be sure that they understand the many aspects of the universe, including the planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. You decide to explain it by talking about the forces at work in our solar system and how those forces account for the patterns that we take for granted in every day life, such as day and night, tides, and the seasons of the year.
You will read and take notes on several articles that explain the different objects in the solar system and (possibly!) look at a video.
Steps you will be following: In order to plan and compose your speech, you will do all of the following:
1) Read each of the articles on the resources page and watch a video on the topic of the solar system, taking notes* on these sources.
2) Be sure, as you read the articles, that you are looking for patterns. In your notes and your final speech, include examples, concrete details, quotes, well-chosen facts, definitions and any other information that you think is important to explain the objects in the solar system.
3) Organize your evidence, plan your speech, write a draft, and then write your final copy.
*Notetaking: You may open a Word Document and take notes, or you may use scratch paper.
Time Frame: 2 days (120 minutes)
CCR Standards: Reading Anchor Standards 1 & 9, Writing Anchor Standards 1, 4, 6 & 8
Your assignment: You are a famous astronomer who has been invited to speak to a group of exceptionally bright eighth grade students about the solar system. You want to be sure that they understand the many aspects of the universe, including the planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. You decide to explain it by talking about the forces at work in our solar system and how those forces account for the patterns that we take for granted in every day life, such as day and night, tides, and the seasons of the year.
You will read and take notes on several articles that explain the different objects in the solar system and (possibly!) look at a video.
Steps you will be following: In order to plan and compose your speech, you will do all of the following:
1) Read each of the articles on the resources page and watch a video on the topic of the solar system, taking notes* on these sources.
2) Be sure, as you read the articles, that you are looking for patterns. In your notes and your final speech, include examples, concrete details, quotes, well-chosen facts, definitions and any other information that you think is important to explain the objects in the solar system.
3) Organize your evidence, plan your speech, write a draft, and then write your final copy.
*Notetaking: You may open a Word Document and take notes, or you may use scratch paper.