2. Questions
Essential Question Unit Question Content Question
o What is outer space? oWhat is in outer oWhat is the closest
space? planet to the sun?
oWhat is the oDo other planets
temperature on the have water on
sun? them?
oWhat is the
farthest planet from
the sun?
oWhat is the closest
planet to Earth?

3. Unit Summary
 During our Solar System Unit, my students
will focus on the planets of our Solar
System and also the Sun and Earth’s
Moon. We will have a project where each
student will assigned to a group and each
group will be assigned a planet. They will
look at what characteristics make each
planet unique. Mainly just basic things such
as: Saturn has Rings, Mercury is the
smallest, Earth has water…. Each student
will be assigned a job in the group that will
range from speaker to writer.

4. Role of Teacher
 As the teacher I will clearly present the
material and instructions so that each
student has an ample opportunity to
succeed.
 I will work one on one with students so
that they properly understand the
information from the unit.
 I will present the material in many
different ways so that each student will
fully comprehend the information.

5. Role of Parent
 As a parent of a student in my class I
would like you to do the following:
a) Each day sign the child’s agenda.
b) When grades are returned and grade is
below a “C” please initial.
c) Check my Twitter regularly for updates on
class projects and field trips.
d) Contact me if you have any questions or
concerns.

6. Role of Student
 As a student in my classroom you will be
expected to do the following:
○ Have a big imagination!
○ Complete all work on time
○ Always give 100%
○ Take initiative
○ Only talk when called on or given permission
to
○ Come to class prepared
○ Have a good attitude
○ Treat others the way you want to be treated

7. Benefits of the Unit
 Give students a better understanding of the
solar system.
 Student will acquire skills of learning to
work together in groups.
 Students will also learn vital
communications skills.
 Students will learn how to navigate around
a computer.
 From the unit students will garner
presentation skills.

8. Standards
 Science (1st) Clearly learns all the
planets of the Solar System and the
Earth’s moon.
 Learn about characteristics that make
each planet unique.
 Learn about the Sun, talk about that it is
a star.

9. Objectives of the Unit
 Name the planets of the Solar System.
 What order do they go in?
 What is the Sun?
 What is the closest planet to the sun?
 Do other planets have water on them?
 What is the farthest planet from the sun?
 What is the closest planet to Earth?
 Can we see all parts of the Moon with our
blind eye?

10. Project-Based Learning
 Project Based Learning is teaching students through
activities, such as projects. This allows the students to show
what they have learned through demonstration rather than
taking a test.
 I will incorporate PBL by assigning group projects throughout
the unit. It will help students retain and understand material
more thoroughly.
 How I will incorporate this in my classroom:
 I will assign a project on the planets of the Solar System, where each
student will be assigned to a group and that group will be assigned a
planet. Each group will be responsible for:
○ Getting information about their topic
○ Creating a visual aid
○ Making sure every person in the group has an equal role
○ Presenting the project to the class

11. Contact Information
Teacher: Brock Bellsnyder
Phone: (205) 602-3384
Email: cbbellsnyder@crimson.ua.edu