This lesson is for : Grade 4:
Summary
This student-centered research project required students in 4th grade to explore the solar system using apps (apps 2 example) of choice from a preferred list. After exploration, students collaborated to decide which questions should be answered in each research project. For the project, students had to choose which planets to research, which app(s) (apps 2 example) to use to present information, with the goal being to teach viewers about the eight planets in our solar system. Using apps of choice and books to find the answers to the 9 facts the class decided on (number of moons, distance from sun, etc.), each student submitted research through a GoogleForm for each planet. Once enough research was submitted, students then edited the compiled research for accuracy using GoogleDocs, checking apps and books if research varied. As a class, the students created a rubric that was used to assess the two required projects each student had to create (although many students completed more). Students used the edited research and apps of choice to present information on any two planets using a checklist and class-created rubric to ensure projects met the requirements. All projects were individual projects, but students shared tips/tricks with classmates about apps.
After students created projects, the class scaled the size of the planets and chose objects that were found in the school to represent each planet’s scaled size. Each object was assembled in the hallway with the distance between each planet scaled as well. Students then created paper pictures for their projects that were tied to the app, Daqari, to allow viewer’s with an iPad to view each project for each planet.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students researched information on their own using apps (apps 2 example), books from the library, and self-selected books on MyOn. They submitted this research using the Google Form. Students checked accuracy of each fact using the compiled research on each Google Doc and sources.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Approaching – Explanation: Students collaborated through Google Form & Google Docs to compile research on each planet and to finalize the research. Students collaborated to create the Sandston Planetarium which gave information on each planet because students were only required to research two of the eight planets. Students collaborated as a class to decide on the information required for each planet, rubric used to grade planets and objects used to represent planets. Students also consulted classmates and the ITRT’s for feedback on their projects.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Approaching – Explanation: The students created their research questions. Students also had to justify their research findings to their classmates. Finally, students had learn to use many digital apps to create their projects. The students were given a bank of creation apps but they had to find the one that best fit their mode of expression for this project.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: The students completely came up with the concept of their projects on their own. They used app(s) (apps 2 example) of choice to create their project. Several students communicated their ideas to the ITRT’s for what they wanted to do with their project, and additional apps were found to meet the student’s needs. Many students chose to draw their planet using the app, Paper by Fiftythree, then used their illustration to insert it into another app.
Student Artifact
Visit the Planetarium Online
Lesson Materials
