Teacher Page

Thank you for visiting this webquest! While I was a student teacher working on my degree, I wrote this webquest with my future 5th grade class in mind. I am now a 5th grade teacher.

This webquest begins with research on a planet, asteroid, moon, or dwarf planet. I would assign the planet or have students pick a space object randomly. The students would work in teams to develop a mission plan containing questions that they would like to have answered on a future mission that they will plan. The students will sketch and then build a model probe to send to their space object. The probe will be based on research of past missions and probes with appropriate modifications. Each team will present to the entire class facts on the space object, mission statement, and probe design. This whole process may take an entire semester. Standards covered are:

3-5.E.3 Construct and perform fair investigations in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

5.ESS.1 Analyze the scale of our solar system and its components: our solar system includes the sun, moon, seven other planets and their moons, and many other objects like asteroids and comets.

3-5.DI.5 Understand the connections between computer science and other fields.

5.NS.6: Understand, interpret, and model percents as part of a hundred (e.g. by using pictures, diagrams, and other visual models).

5.SL.2.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) on grade-appropriate topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing personal ideas clearly.

5.SL.2.2 Reflect on and contribute to ideas under discussion by drawing on readings and other resources.