One of the standards within the 6th grade science curriculum is to “describe the use of technology to observe objects in the solar system and relate this to science’s understanding of the solar system.” Though I do teach them about the different technologies, I feel it important to instill in them their own curiosity. Combine this with the Language Arts Core and the bump in reading and writing across all subjects, and you get a project like this one.
One of the most important things to note about this project is that it is to be done entirely as homework.
All of the information for this will be coming home in a note which will require a signature due back by Wednesday October 8. Here’s a copy of that letter. (Due Oct. 8)
Space Mission Report Parent Note
As you will see in the note, this report will be due in several parts. The first part will be the research sheet. (Due Oct. 15)
You will notice in the research sheet that I pretty much divide the information up for them, giving them an idea as to how to put it into paragraphs. After the research sheet is done, I will however give them an outline sheet as well. (First draft due Oct. 20)
After the first draft is written, students will be required to have their parents, grandparents, high school or older siblings, etc., read through and edit their first draft. Here are some guidelines for that. (Edit sheet due Oct. 23)
Space Mission Report Editing Sheet
The final report will need to be typed. Their font should be one that is easy to read. the only length requirement is the 5 paragraphs. Below is pictured a rubric for how the final report will be graded. (Due Oct. 30)
