Technology-Connected Lesson Plan

Title: /

Excel with the Planets

Grade Levels: / :  Grades 4th- 6th
Curriculum Areas: / :  Science & Math
Measurable Objectives: / :  TLW use Internet resources to research and collect data on planets in the solar system.
:  TLW demonstrate the basic skills of Microsoft Excel by completing a spreadsheet and a pictograph to displaying their data.
Grade Level Expectations: (GLEs) / :  {SCI.5.ESS.44} Explain rotation and revolution by using models or illustrations
:  {SCI.5.ESS.43} Describe the characteristics of the inner and outer planets
:  {MA.6.30} See Above - Describe and analyze trends and patterns observed in graphic displays
:  {MA.5.28} See Above - Use various types of charts and graphs, including double bar graphs, to organize, display, and interpret data and discuss patterns verbally and in writing
:  {MA.4.36} See Above - Analyze, describe, interpret, and construct various types of charts and graphs using appropriate titles, axis labels, scales, and legends
K-12 Educational Technology Standards: / :  Technology Research Tools (Linking and Generating Knowledge Foundation Skill)
Students use appropriate technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources
:  Technology Productivity Tools (Resource Access and Utilization Foundation Skill)
Students use productivity tools to work collaboratively in developing technology-rich, authentic, student-centered products.
Technology Connection: / :  Computer with Internet access
:  Microsoft Excel
:  Excel Spreadsheet Template
:  How Many Planets?
http://msnucleus.org/membership/storybooks/planet.html
:  Planet 10
http://www.solarsystem.org.uk/planet10
:  Fact Monster – The Solar System
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0909527.html
:  Kids Astronomy.com
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/the_planets.htm
:  How Many Planets? (digital storybook & songs)
http://msnucleus.org/membership/guide/storybooks.html
Assessment: / :  Observation & Participation
:  Completed Excel Data Table with Pictograph
Procedures: / :  Start the lesson off with a digital storybook to introduce information about the solar system.
K-12 Animated Storybooks – How Many Planets?
:  (Optional) On the same site, you can share some of the following songs (Zoom Zoom, Constellations, and Beep Beep).
:  Allow students time to use one or more of the following sites to complete one of the four data forms attached (“What’s My Size?”, “How Many Moons?”, “What’s My Distance?”, or “How Long is a Year?” .
Planet 10
Fact Monster – The Solar System
Kids Astronomy.com
:  Students will use the attached Excel spreadsheet template to input their data. First, they need to click on the tab at the bottom of the Excel spreadsheet that shows the data they are inputting (ex. Diameter, Distance, Moons, or Orbits)
Excel Basics – You many need to cover some of the basics of moving around on a spreadsheet and basic formatting tips.
:  As the students input their data, the bars on the graph will appear. As they continue to input their data, the bar graph will turn into a pictograph.
:  Students will print a hard copy of their pictograph to share with the class.
:  Extension – Students will go to Planet 10 to complete the World Builder activity.
“Think you could create the perfect World? Here’s your chance to try. With World Builder, you call the shots. Work your way through each of the creation screens, but make your choices wisely, only certain conditions will ensure your planet is a successful place for life to grow and evolve.”
Materials: / :  Excel with the Planets Data Forms
:  pencil
Teacher’s Name: / :  Kathy Prine
School: / :  CM Fagan

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