Teacher Information

This webquest was developed for use in intermediate science programs. It encourages students to use logic and reasoning skills as they work collaboratively to solve a space mystery. In addition, students will gain knowledge of our solar system. This science webquest is intended for students at the third trough sixth grade level.

Before they begin, learners will need to know how to navigate the Internet. Knowledge of basic space vocabulary would also be beneficial.

Standards and Objectives

Show Me Standard

Performance Standard

Goal 1 -- Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze and apply information and ideas.
Goal 3 -- Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize and solve problems.

Knowledge Standards

In Science, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of composition and structure of the universe and the motions of the objects within it.

Curriculum Objectives

The learner will be able to understand Earth as it exists in our solar system.
The learner will be able to comprehend the most pertinent ideas and principles of Earth/Space science.
The learner will be able to recognize that gravity is responsible for the orbits of the planets and moons.
The learner will be able to analyze and judge data which is connected to distances between our solar system and other points in the galaxy and universe.
The learner will be able to comprehend that rotation and revolution are responsible for the angles that the sun's light hits the Earth which cause seasonal variations in weather and climate
The learner will be able to understand that the phases of the moon and eclipses are caused by the angle from which we view the moon.
The learner will be able to comprehend that the solar system is a piece of the Milky Way which is one of many galaxies.
The learner will be able to comprehend that the planets, their moons, comets, asteroids, and meteorites all orbit the sun.
The learner will be able to compare and contrast the celestial bodies within our own solar system.