Grade Level: 4
Titles: Planets in the
Solar System
Essential Question(s):


Subject Area(s):
__ Reading, Writing,
__ Mathematics
GT Differentiated Exemplar Lesson
Science TEKS/Student Expectations:
_X_ Science
__ Social Studies
3.8: Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world
and among the Sun, Earth, and Moon system. The student is expected to:
3.8D: identify the planets in Earth’s solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.
What makes our planet unique?
How are the planets positioned in our solar system?
Assessment(s):
__ Pre-Assessment
__ Formative
X Summative
GT Scope and Sequence Skills:
Student Learning Styles:
(Aligned with 21st Century Skills
__ Auditory
Framework & College and Career
_X_ Visual/Spatial
Readiness Standards)
__ Kinesthetic
__ Creative Thinking
__ Other
_X_ Critical Thinking
__ Communication
_X_ Research
Elements of Depth and
Complexity:
_X_ Language of the Discipline
_X_ Details
_X_ Patterns
__ Trends
__ Rules
__Ethical Considerations
__Unanswered Questions
__ Over Time
__ Different Perspectives
__ Big Ideas
Lessons and Activities
_X_ Whole Class
__ Small Group
_X_ Independent Activity
Resources:
PART ONE:
Whole Class:
Watch the Brain Pop on the solar system. Highlight the inner and outer planets. Teach the mnemonic
device “My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos” to help remember the order of the
planets.
On Grade Level:
Students will create a flipbook with the eight planets. Each planet will be drawn and labeled in order
on the front flap. Inside the book students will indicate whether the planet is an inner/outer planet
and include a minimum of two facts unique to that planet. On the front or the back of the flipbook,
students will record the mnemonic device.
Brain Pop Video on the Solar System
http://www.brainpop.com/science/space/solarsystem/
A large selection of books about the planets.
Suggested author: Seymour Simon
http://www.fun-facts.org.uk/planets/planets.htm
http://www.planetsforkids.org/planet.html
Advanced Academic Services
Austin Independent School District
GT Level Group:
Students will create a flipbook with the eight planets. Each planet will be drawn and labeled in order
on the front flap. Inside the book students will indicate whether the planet is an inner/outer planet
and include a minimum of three facts unique to that planet. On the front or the back of the flipbook,
students will create an original mnemonic device. Students will choose a planet to research the
history of its name. Students can create their own mnemonic device to add to their flipbook.
Whole Class: Students select an interesting fact about a planet to share with the class without
repeating one that has been stated.
Advanced Academic Services
Austin Independent School District
Process Assessment
Teacher observes the following:
Process Observation - Frequency
Student uses correct terminology during interactions with peers and teacher.
Seldom/Never
Occasionally
Often
Consistently
Process Observation – Frequency
The student is able to guess the genre of a book by its criteria.
Seldom/Never
Occasionally
Often
Consistently
Process Observation – Quality of Creative Thinking
Typical of Peers
Student uses creativity throughout the stages of the task.
Fluent Thinker
Flexible Thinker
Unique and Original
Process Observation – Quality of Analytical Thinking
Typical of Peers
Student analyzes information during the task.
Fluent Thinker
Flexible Thinker
Unique and Original
Product Assessment
Score
Genres
Booklet
Critical Thinking
3
Student compares and contrasts
fiction and non-fiction books.
The content highlights unique information
for the two genres and shows connections
to books not previously read aloud in class.
Student applies knowledge of the
distinguishing characteristics of genres to make
predictions and verify the predictions.
2
Student compares fiction and nonfiction books.
Includes distinctive information for each
genre in the booklet. The content easily
connects to the books read aloud in class.
Student applies knowledge of the
distinguishing characteristics of genres to make
predictions.
Includes distinguishing information for each
genre in the booklet.
Student predicts the contents of a book.
1
Student distinguishes between fiction
and non-fiction books.
Advanced Academic Services
Austin Independent School District