The Process

Step 1

1. To start your teacher will read to the class The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System to prepare for the study of the solar system.  After the book is read, the class will discuss what they learned from the book and connect this with previous knowledge with a focus on facts.
2. You will view the video The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System.
3. The teacher will use the software application Inspiration to web all the information the students know about the solar system.  Then the class will brainstorm and add to the web all the information they would like to learn about the solar system so they can become experts on the solar system.

Step 2
 
 
 

1. Next, you will be assigned to a cooperative group of 4.
2. Finally, you will have to choose your Role within your group.

Step 3

Additional Hints For Designing Your Travel Guide:
To help you begin your research for designing you brochure follow these steps.

Step 1.    Check out the resources and learn all you can for your role.

Step 2.    Write your facts, explanations, examples, and ideas into your daily research log.  Be sure to date your  log.  For help and information you must go to these links and find answers to the questions in designing your travel guide  (see resources below).

Step 3.    Begin to write up your section in the travel guide.

Step 4.    Design an illustration for your section of the travel guide.
 
 

Resources:
 

1. Starchild - a site about space for children sponsored by NASA.
2. Zoom Astronomy - a site to find some great research for all roles.
3. Amazing Space -  site full of information and activities for children about space.
4. The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Space - website based on the story we read.
5. NASA for Kids -  Site developed by National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) great research information for Children.

Step 4
 
 
 

Oral Presentation

After your travel guide is finished.  You will present your guide to the class with a judging panel present made up of (students, teachers, parents).  This panel will award the group with the best brochure.  Please refer to the scoring guide for preparing this presentation.

To impress the panel of judges:

• Your group will put together the Travel Guide that will include all the information that you learned about the solar system and illustrations.
• You need to have the Travel Guide completed prior to the presentation and have it as a reference for the oral presentation.

Self Reflection:

1. How did this experience change your knowledge of the solar system?
2. Did you find the answers to your brainstorm questions?
3. What did you learn from completing this WebQuest?
4. What would you change in this WebQuest to improve it?

1. Did you feel that your group worked cooperatively?
2. Did everyone stay on task during group meeting times?
3. Did everyone complete their work on time for making the travel guide?
4. Did you enjoy working as a group for putting the complete travel guide and organizing the oral presentation?