Thirteen fourth graders took the challenge of impressing a group of astronomers with their knowledge of the planets. As part of the new science curriculum, all 4th grade students researched a chosen planet. Students were given a wide range of resources. These included nonfiction books, OneSearch, Sweet Search, and Ask.com. Using Googledocs, students recorded and compared information between classes. Students worked collaboratively in groups to create a project that would show their knowledge of their chosen planet. Thirteen students decided to take their project to the next level by sharing them with the Richmond Astronomical Society at the Science Museum of Virginia. Right after our winter break, this special group met in the library to plan the event. Students grouped themselves and chose a planet to present. For most of them, this meant they would need to research a new planet and start a project from scratch. Although the students were given a wide range of programs to use, most chose Photobooth or Pixie. The students worked in the library with their school librarian every day for a week to fine-tune their projects. On the night of Tuesday January 10th, we packed up our laptops and headed to the Science Museum. Students set up their projects and shared them with the members of the Astronomical Society. The members were so impressed with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and of course, their 21st century skills! As one of the students said, “That was nerve-wracking. But it was fun!”
Submitted by: Maggie L, Jon l., Matthew B., Megan M., Nick E. Alyssa F. Alyssa S. Joseph S., Tula J. Emma J. Bless J., Will T. Elijah M
Web URL: http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/nnessid/2011/12/04/4th-grade-planet-research-project-raonaq-and-williford/
Blog for reflection: http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/ridgelibrary/2012/01/12/4th-grade-students-share-research-projects-at-the-science-museum/
Linked File: http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/student21/files/gravity_forms/1-813de82a10e133db248bc5d43de02fdc/2012/01/uranus.pxi
