A Journey Through the 
Solar System

Students Use Library Resources and Telecommunications to Create A 
Snap Shot of a Solar System Element 
Larry White

Mendocino Grammar School

California State Framework Areas:
Earth Science:
Astronomy
Language Arts
Social Science
Math

Grade Level(s):
Elementary 5-6

Length of Project:
4-6 weeks
(16-24 class sessions)
Abstract:
Students research components of the solar system.  Data is downloaded 
into a slide program combing text, still graphics, movies, and sound.  
Students also write a position paper  regarding the ethics and 
economics of space exploration.

Produced in conjunction with the NASA K-12 NREN Partner School 
Program and the California Telemation Project

I. INTRODUCTION

	In mid-July of 1994 the newspapers were filled with news and 
color photos chronicling the comet fusillade on the planet Jupiter.  
Huge fragments created immense explosions as they impacted with the 
planet.  Nightly television newscasts kept viewers up to date and 
students of all ages were drawn to the story.

	Where is Jupiter and is it really as large as they say?  How can 
astronomers see that far?  What is a comet?  Could one hit the earth 
too?  What would happen if it did? The answers to these questions and 
many more can be found using a variety of sources, however the 
wealth of data and photos available through telecommunications is 
tremendous and growing daily.  This source of data and other resources 
and tools of astronomy will lead students to a closer understanding of 
the universe.

	While only a small part of the universe, our solar system is a 
natural part to begin the study of astronomy because it is the part of the 
universe that is closest to us.  Basic knowledge of our sun, planets, 
comets, asteroids, and meteoroids is an important component of a  5th 
grade studentÕs science education and is an objective consistent with 
the Science Framework for California Public Schools, as referenced in 
Chapter 4, Section A. 


Purpose:

	The purpose of this project is to introduce students to our solar 
system using information gathered  primarily through the use of 
telecommunications.  This information will be combined with library 
research and incorporated into a computer generated slide show.

II. STUDENT OUTCOMES:

	--students will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a 
component of the solar system

	--students will collect and analyze data on various types of 
spacecraft used to explore components of the solar system

	--students will demonstrate an understanding of the 
relationship between astronomy and mythology

	--students will conduct on-line searches and retrievals of graphic 
and text images relating to astronomy and use and analyze information 
in developing their slide show.

	--students will demonstrate the ability to create a slide show in 
ClarisWorks

	--students will develop opinions on the values of space 
exploration supported by policy statements
	

III. ACTIVITIES:

	Students will be divided into teams of two to complete the 
projects.  Each team will be assigned one of the following topics:  the 
sun, one of the planets, the Earth's moon, asteroids, comets, or 
meteoroids.  

	Telecommunications data will be gathered from the following 
sources:
	--NASA Spacelink   (good source for text)
	--Ames Research Center Space Archives ftp and gopher site 
	  (text and some images)
	--Goddard Space Flight Center gopher server   (excellent images)
	--Nasa Small Shuttle Payloads Gopher
	--NASA's Planetary Data System (stardust.jpl.nasa.gov)
	--NASA's JPL ftp images
	--Usenet Newsgroups: 
	sci.space.shuttle
	sci.space.news
	
	sci.space.policy
	
	sci.space.tech
	sci.astro.planetarium
	sci.astro.hubble

	Students will create a slide show of a journey of exploration to 
their topic celestial body.  They shall include basic relevant data on 
their topic as well as information regarding related classical myths.  
Students will also be asked to include data on the type(s) of spacecraft 
used in their exploration.

	The data will be gathered in a slide show using ClarisWorks and 
	must include the following:
	--still graphics downloaded from Internet sources
	--moving pictures (QuickTime) and sound downloaded from 
Internet sources or CD-ROM  
	
	--text downloaded from Internet sources
	--text from school library research
	--appropriate labels and diagrams to explain graphics
	--data collection from school library materials

	Initially students will explore sources and practice downloading 
text, graphics, movies, and sound.  After their topic is assigned they 
will again explore sources, this time seeking information appropriate 
to their topics.  
	
	Students will then write a script for their slide show.

	Data is gathered and logged by each team.  Use of the keyboard 
will be alternated between team members.  The student not operating 
the keyboard will keep a log of all activities in their team journal.
 
	In addition, each student will write a 1 page position paper 
answering the questions:  Why explore space?  Should we continue to 
fund space exploration?  Their answers must be supported with views 
gathered from the Newsgroup:  sci.space.policy  and other media 
sources.

IV. ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on:
	
-- The appearance in the teamÕs slide show of:
	
	
	--still and moving graphics including sound
	
	
	--text from telecommunications resources and library 
	resources to demonstrate knowledge of topic(s)
	
	
	--explanation of mythological connections
	
	
	--explanation of appropriate space craft related to the 
	 topic
	
	
	-- The demonstration of opinion based on fact and 
	
	analysis of information in the 1 page position paper  

	**These will be presented at an Astronomy Night when parents 
will be invited to view the completed projects in the computer lab.**