OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Use the micro:bit to create a kinesthetic model of the solar system. Students will be given an example at the beginning and then be asked to make their own.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Mathematics, Science
• Grade Level : 6-8
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Computing Systems, Data Analysis, Algorithms and Programming
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems, Creating Computational Artifacts, Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts
• Materials:
  • Micro:bit
• Considerations:
  • Students should have background in ratios, spreadsheets, and the basics in the solar system before beginning.

Lesson Plan

Overview

Use the micro:bit to create a kinesthetic model of the solar system. Students will be given an example at the beginning and then be asked to make their own.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

What is a scale? What type of code allows a sensor to continually sense and record data? If the sun was the size of a baseball on [teacher]’s desk, where would Neptune be?

OBJECTIVES

Define and develop a scale model using ratios. Program a micro:bit to locate distances. Discuss the size of the solar system based on the model.

CATCH/HOOK

https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/366/red-nickel-scale-model/

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

After a discussion about what scales and models are and what they are used for, students will watch the development of a basic model on a youtube video. This will provide them with the starting point of developing their own mode.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

Follow this slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1A5Q56XCvXbbIwQk6Jc3PhewtNSvHjBsS7-9wtI6GB6o/edit?usp=sharing

STANDARDS