Aliens Have Kidnapped Your Principal!

(A WebQuest About the Sun)

Websites current as of December 5, 2011

Information for this WebQuest (with some modifications) comes from A Sun, Moon and Earth WebQuest for 3rd Grade.

Introduction

One of the most beloved members of the school staff has disappeared! After an exhaustive search, an amazing discovery has been made. Our principal has been abducted by an alien spaceship. You have been assigned to the rescue team to retrieve your principal safely.

Overall Task

Before your principal can be released, your team must be prepared to answer questions from the aliens. Next, your team will be asked to make a model to use during your presentation of your knowledge to the Inter-Galactic High Council. Remember your principal's release depends upon your success. Are you up for the challenge?

Process

Steps to Winning the Release of your Principal:

Step 1: Complete the Solar Facts Research Sheet. (Note: If you have already been given the research sheet, DO NOT print another copy!)
Step 2: Organize a presentation you will make to the Inter-Galactic High Council. Some ideas include: posters, plan a skit, PowerPoint presentation, short video, etc. To impress the High Council, it must be a creative presentation! Check the Evaluation section before you begin!
Step 3: Prepare to share what you learned with the class.

Task, the First – Solar Facts

The aliens want basic information about the Sun. Your worksheet has a chart you must complete to get basic information.

Here are some websites to help you as you complete the first task.

Facts About the Sun
Interesting Facts About the Sun
KidsAstronomy.com
~~Nine~~ 8 Planets for Kids
The Sun

Task, the Second – Solar Structure

Next, the aliens want to know the structure of the Sun. What makes up the Sun? What does it do?

Use the websites to study the Sun’s structure.

A Look at Our Nearest Star
StarChild
The Sun
The Sun and Stellar Structure
Windows to the Universe

Task, the Third – Learning About the Sun

How do we study the Sun? They want to know how we learn about the Sun. They want examples of telescopes on Earth and space probes currently studying the Sun.

The websites below will help you complete task, the third!

Observatories and Telescopes

Big Bear Solar Observatory
High Altitude Observatory
Mauna Loa Solar Observatory
McMath Solar Observatory
Sacramento Peak Solar Observatory

Space Probes

Hinode-B
SOHO
Solar Dynamics Observatory
STEREO

Task, the Fourth – Presentation

You have the information you need to answer the aliens’ questions. Your final task is to put it all together. Look at Step 2 under Process. Select a method for your presentation and work on it!

Evaluation

How will I be graded for this assignment?

Sun WebQuest Rubric

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Organization	Information is very organized with well-constructed and easy to follow.	Information is organized with well-constructed and easy to follow.	Information is organized, but it is hard to follow.	The information appears to be disorganized and can't be followed.
Amount of Information	All topics and tasks are addressed with information above what is required.	All topics and tasks are addressed.	All but one topic and task are addressed.	Two or more tasks and topics were not addressed.
Quality of Information	Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples.	Information clearly relates to the main topic. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples.	Information clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given.	Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are ready to make your presentation to the Inter-Galactic High Council. Because of your hard work, we are sure you will secure the release of your principal. The principal will be forever in your debt. Thank you for a job well-done!!

Now repeat after me:

I am a solar monster!
I am so good I can hardly stand it!

This WebQuest covers the following State of Utah Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) for 6th grade science:

1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
          i. Use data to construct a reasonable conclusion.
2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests
          a. Demonstrate a sense of curiosity about nature.
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
          a. Record data accurately when given the appropriate form (e.g., table, graph,
             chart).
          b. Describe or explain observations carefully and report with pictures, sentences,
              and models.
          c. Use scientific language in oral and written communication.
          d. Use reference sources to obtain information and cite the source.

Solar Flare