1. The Solar System In a Nut shell! (Performance Assessment for middle school science)

2. Big Idea! The Solar System includes the Sun, 8 planets, and their moons. Target: Middle School Science Purpose: Understand the Earth and its processes, the solar system, and the universe and its contents.

3. Performance Assessment Overview Compare and contrast the differences and similarities between the inner and outer planets. Evidence: Make clear distinctions of what the planets are made out of. Tasks: Put students into groups of 3 and have them investigate (through “planet stations”) what the planets are composed of. They will present their findings to their classmates.

4. Cont’ Performance Assessment Overview Invent a home and a space suit that will help you survive your new planet’s environment. Evidence: List 5 challenges students may encounter while living on their new planet. Tasks: Have students brainstorm what it would be like living on another planet. Model for students how gravity and temperature on Earth are different to inner and outer planets (in regards to their position to the Sun).

5. Performance Assessment Summary Groups of 3 students research the planets in the solar system and present a PowerPoint presentation to show case their findings. Individuals brainstorm differences and similarities between the inner and outer planets. Group creates a more elaborate final list of 6 differences and 6 similarities. Individuals pick a planet and design a home and space suit that combats the challenges of the planet.

6. Rubric for Group Presentations (Elements that constitute “Exceeds Criteria” for the Group PowerPoint presentations) Presentation details 6 similarities and 6 differences between the inner and outer planets. Facts are written concisely and elaborated on orally. Each student briefs 2 slides with a strong, clear speaking voice and is able to answer questions about their slides. 1 similarity and difference is represented artistically as well as verbally.

7. Rubric for Individual Presentations (Elements that constitute “Exceeds Criteria” for the Individual Design Poster ) Students individually present each of their posters to the class. Speaking voice is clear and strong. The individual poster must: Explain which planet the student chose and why. Go over a minimum of 3 challenges the student will face while living on this planet. Explain how their home and space suit mitigates these challenges.