Earth and the Universe

Theme: Where we are in place and time

Central idea: Earth relies on a vast and complex universe to survive.

Lines of Inquiry: Composition of the universe

Earth’s place in space and time

For their summative assessment, students were required to design and build a 3D model of the solar system. Taking the information that they learned throughout the unit, students were able to construct the planets according to color and size. They were also required to estimate the distance between the planets, the sun, and each other, and position the planets accordingly.

Throughout the unit, students had the opportunity to go into the schoolyard to measure the distance between the sun and each planet. Using steps to mark distance, they were able to get a better idea of the position of the objects in relation to each other. Math skills were also used in the form of big numbers.

Through their creativity and hard work, students came up with many different versions of the solar system, each unique in its own design and composition!

Along with the 3D model, students also wrote a comparative essay between Earth and another planet of their choice. Below is a sample student work by Charles Sheng 冼亮宇 :

Comparing Earth and Neptune

by Charles Sheng 冼亮宇, Grade Four

Earth and Neptune are both planets that are part of the Solar System. Neither of them is the biggest planet, there are many similarities and differences between them.

Earth and Neptune have some differences. Earth is an inner planet, but Neptune is an outer planet. Its temperature is also a lot different. Earth is okay for people. Neptune is a lot colder than Earth.

But there are also many similarities between Earth and Neptune. For example, both planets have water and ice. Scientists found ice on Neptune. Both planets have a blue surface, and both planets have moons.

Maybe in the future, people will invent some type of solar system robot, that moves the sun towards Neptune. Perhaps then we could live in Neptune, because Neptune would be hot and warm. If we could live on Neptune, we would need to bring many things from Earth to Neptune, and find out more facts about Neptune.