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Strange New Planet Lesson PlanStrange New Planet Lesson Plan
Publisher
University of Colorado
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
6th - 8th
Subjects
Science
1 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr 30 mins
Instructional Strategy
Hands-on Activity
Year
1999
Usage Permissions
Fine Print
Lesson Plan

Strange New Planet

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Strange New Planet lesson plan also includes:
  • Scope and Sequence
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The first remote sensors were people in hot air balloons taking photographs of Earth to make maps. Expose middle school learners to space exploration with the use of remote sensing. Groups explore and make observations of a new planet by flying by, orbiting, and landing. They then discuss their different observations to round out this 14th lesson plan in a series of 22. 

31 Views 16 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

space exploration, remote sensing, making observations

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Activity fits in a unit on space, exploration, or on the scientific method and focuses on making good observations
  • Make two to three new planets ahead of time (in case one is somehow destroyed during the day) to increase time spent on activity/discussion

Classroom Considerations

  • Materials are household items, not scientific, and there are quite a few to gather

Pros

  • Engages pupils because they make observations in a new way (short amounts of time and orbiting the object)
  • Great simulation of space exploration and its limitations

Cons

  • None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3

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