Course Outline Assignment

Course Analysis
Course Name: Introduction to the Solar System Course Length: 10 Weeks Course Type: Distance Learning Average Student: The average student will include intermediate level elementary school students. They should be familiar with basic technology (Internet browser, Word documentation, Presentation, etc.). The students may or may not have had a prior online course. Content Analysis: Students should be familiar with the basic structure and organization of an elementary level course. (Assumed General Information) Students should be able to use basic computer software such as internet browser, Microsoft Office Suite, etc (Assumed General Information) The students should also be willing to learn new skills.

General Goals: Learn about the Solar System and its common associations Distinguish between different planets Identify each planet on a picture map Develop a presentation based on the planets and their characteristics

Enhancing Learning: This course will explain important information regarding the Solar System. By learning the essential elements of the Solar System, the students will be able to present the information that has been retained. Students should identify each planet by its physical appearance. The students will also identify general characteristics of each of the eight planets discussed throughout the course.

General Course Assessments

Multiple-Choice Self-Tests: These assessments will measure general conceptual information involved in the Solar System. This includes being able to state definitions, key concepts, and 1

other foundational information. The self-test will be given at the end of each module to identify whether or not the students can decipher between characteristics of the planets of the solar system. Course Wiki: The Wiki pages will be developed over the entire course. Each Wiki will serve as a way for the students to share their thoughts and information learned throughout the weekly module. Entries will be made weekly and will cover the information associated with each module. Each student will add their thoughts to the same page designated for that particular module. Adding the thoughts to the same page will let the students view everything in a more simple way. There will be a new section to post in each week and it will be created by the instructor. The students will be required to post at least one thing that they learned during that particular module. Extra Credit: Students will answer questions produced by their classmates within the class wiki. They will type their name as well as the name of the student whom they are responding to. Next the student will answer a question or provide a suggestion indicating that they have read the other classmates postings. Final Presentation: A presentation will be assessed at the end of the course. The presentation should reflect the information learned over a specific planet. The presentation will be worked on by groups of students assigned by the instructor. Feedback Surveys (2 total): These surveys have been placed throughout the course to help the instructor gather feedback on areas that could use improvement.

Course Outline - Objectives

Module 1: Course Introduction (Week 1) Objectives: Describe the responsibilities of the instructor in distance education Explain the use of the discussion board Explain the responsibilities of the learner in distance education Describe the expectations of the student Describe the general Solar System

Module 2: Mercury (Week 2) Objectives: Describe the characteristics of Mercury Analyze the physical properties of Mercury Understand the size of Mercury

Module 3: Venus (Week 3) Objectives: Discuss the characteristics of Venus Describe the physical appearance of Venus Define Venuss location from the sun

Module 4: Earth (Week 4) Objectives: Summarize the characteristics of Earth Compare the similarities of Venus and Earth Predict the general characteristics of Mars

Module 5: Mars (Week 5) Objectives: Describe the characteristics of Mars Explain the reason why there can or cannot be life on Mars Recall the differences in Mercury when compared to Mars

Module 6: Jupiter (Week 6) Objectives: Discuss the characteristics associated with Jupiter Label Jupiters storm Identify Jupiter within a map of the planets

Module 7: Saturn (Week 7) Objectives: Summarize the characteristics of Saturn Estimate the number of moons located around Saturn Illustrate the distinct features of Saturn

Module 8: Uranus (Week 8) Objectives: Discuss the characteristics of Uranus Recognize the number of moons associated with Uranus State at least one characteristic that you have never learned about Uranus

Module 9: Neptune (Week 9) Objectives:

Summarize the characteristics associated with Neptune Discover the reason why Pluto is not considered a planet Recall the information about the planets learned in previous modules

Module 10: Final Presentation (Week 10) Objectives: Apply the learned information to a presentation Organize the information in a presentation List the eight planets within the presentation Collaborate with partners

Detailed Course Navigation / Outline

General Information Syllabus Course Schedule Grading Policy and Evaluation University Policies University Services (academic and student support) and Technical Support Prerequisite Knowledge and Technical Skills Required How To Access Course Materials and Technologies Instructor Information Biography Contact Information Response Times and Grading / Feedback Timeframe Course Orientation Purpose of the Course Navigation Structure How to Navigate Through the Course Lessons & Materials Module 1: Course Introduction (Week 1) Orientation Quiz (Assessment) Orientation Discussion Board (Student Interaction) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Introduction Module Self-Test Module 2: Mercury (Week 2) Video: The Solar System for Kids Mercury Wiki Posting 1 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Extra Credit 1 4

Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes)

Module 3: Venus (Week 3) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Venus Wiki Posting 2(Assessment / Student Interaction) Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Module 4: Earth (Week 4) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Earth Wiki Posting 3 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Extra Credit 2 Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Feedback Survey Module 5: Mars (Week 5) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Mars Wiki Posting 4 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Module 6: Jupiter (Week 6) (THIS MODULE WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR THE DEVELOPED MODULE ASSIGNMENT) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Jupiter Wiki Posting 5 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Extra Credit 3 Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Module 7: Saturn (Week 7) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Saturn Wiki Posting 6 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Module 8: Uranus (Week 8) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Uranus Wiki Posting 7 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Extra Credit 4 Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Module 9: Neptune (Week 9) Video: The Solar System for Kids-Neptune Wiki Posting 8 (Assessment / Student Interaction) Module Self-Test (Tests and Quizzes) Module 10: Final Presentation (Week 10) 5

Presentation (Assessment / Final Presentation) Extra Credit 5 o Peer Respond to another groups presentation Feedback Survey

Wikis & Discussions Discussion Boards o How To Post o Link to Discussions o Netiquette and Posting Standards Wiki Assignments o Dates to Post o Link to class wiki o Instructions and Participation Requirements o Extra Credit Possibility Tests & Quizzes Orientation Quiz Self-Tests Assignments Group Presentation o Assigned Groups o Guided Instruction Choose a planet Present main characteristics Choose any presentation type (ex. Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, Slide Rocket, etc.) Requirements o Submission Link Feedback Survey Survey