Mystery Planetary Probe: Make a Claim & Synthesize Evidence from Two Sources

Our understanding of the Solar System has depended on mathematics and naked-eye observations for thousands of years. Only in the past hundreds of years have telescopes become a commonly used tool for observing the sky. Within the last hundred years, satellites and other probes have become increasingly common. Probes have the ability to visit other planets and their moons, as well as comets and asteroids. In this activity, students read a probe’s description of a planetary object, then identify the planet using a data table. Students then write an extended, evidence-based response explaining why they believe it is their chosen planet.

This lesson also provides students with an opportunity to write short responses based on two pieces of evidence: one from a text and one from a data table. Students practice, using the CER or RACE format, synthesizing two pieces of evidence in order to provide evidence for their claim.

This lesson comes with:

a. An original worksheet with actual historical models of our Solar System, guiding graphic organizers to help students to identify their understanding.

b. Three modified versions of the worksheet for students who benefit from word banks, sentences starters, and other strategies.

This lesson aligns to:

Next Generation Science Standards

MS-ESS1-3. Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

with emphasis on:

Science and Engineering Practices: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Disciplinary Core Ideas: Earth and the Solar System

Crosscutting Concept: Systems and Systems Models

Common Core State Standards

CCSS.RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. CCSS.MP2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively

CCSS.RST.6-8.7 Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

CCSS.W.6-8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

CCSS.W.6-8.1.A Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.

CCSS.W.6-8.1.B Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

CCSS.W.6-8.1.C Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.

International Baccalaureate

Science Criterion Aiii: Knowing and Understanding