Instructor: Ms.

Gaines
Candidate: Melissa Mays
October 15, 2014
INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING GRID
1. TEKS :Describe components of the universe,
including stars, nebulae, and galaxies.

2. Big Understandings:
TSW Identify planets in the solar system and components of
the universe.
TSW expand vocabulary: Galaxies, nebulae, universe, comets

Objective: : The students will able to collaborate in

groups to identify the planets in the solar system
and compare and contrast their general
characteristics.
3. Assessment Evidence:

The students will demonstrate their understanding in Think/Pair/Share cooperative learning groups by utilizing
a chart to compare and contrast similar and different characteristics of the planets.

4. Opening Hook: Display pictures that represent the symbols of the planets. Ask the students, what do these
symbols have in common. Tell the students the symbols represent the planets.

5. Input- Instructional Strategies/Student Activities:

EXPLAIN- State the lesson today class we will use a chart to compare and contrast the general characteristics of the
planets.
MODELING- In this lesson, TTW demonstrate how to use the chart .
GUIDED PRACTICE/ MONITORING-Divide your students into cooperative groups. Distribute and ask students to read
the characteristics of the planets on the chart. Explain to students that they will use the chart to compare and contrast
similar and different characteristics of planets. Praise, prompt, and move to next cooperative learning group.
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING- Give your students 4-6 minutes to complete the chart. When they have completed,
ask groups to share with the class similarities and differences of the planets. Ask your students what surprised them
about the similarities. (Student reactions will vary.) Solicit responses from students. Provide students with correct
response.
BEFORE Activity- TTW activate a knowledge base by completing a KWL and preview vocabulary.
DURING Activity- TTW allow students to measure comprehension by organizing students into cooperative leaning
groups where students think, pair and share their understanding of the different characteristics of the planets.
AFTER Activity- Expand prior knowledge, build connections, and deepen understanding by requiring students to
review a visual of the planets and their position in the solar system. Share some facts about the planets.
Technology- Watch Bill Nye the Science Guy about planet and solar system and use a power point presentation
focused on key concepts about the planets and universe.

6. Materials/Resources:
Visuals of the Solar System
Compare and Contrast Planets Handout (in class assignment)
Big POST-IT Pad

7. Grouping Patterns:
Work as heterogeneous cooperative learning group consisting of 3 students in each group
8. Ending, Summary/Reflection:
Restate the objective of the lesson: use questions from the chart that compare and contrast similar and different
characteristics of planets for review questions .
Students will complete the KWL chart What I have learned about the planets.
Remind students during the next class meeting, will define vocabulary: galaxies, nebulae, universe, comets and learn
about the sun and moon and their function in the solar system .