Example RAFT

Science: Solar System

Row 1

ROLE (student)
Astronomer

AUDIENCE
Fellow colleagues

FORMAT
A speech

Row 2

Extra-terrestrial

Classmates

An informational
story

Row 3

A Newspaper
Reporter

Newspaper
readers

Informational
article on the
phases of the
moon.

2014. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved

TOPIC
You are telling
fellow
astronomers about
a new star that you
discovered in the
atmosphere.
You are an extraterrestrial that
lives on Venus.
Describe what its
like living on
Venus and
activities that you
like to do.
You are writing an
informational
article for your
local newspaper
on the phases of
the moon and the
reasons behind it.

Example RAFT Task Card: Science - Solar System

Objective:
You will be describing the process of defining a new found star.
Student Role:
An Astronomer
Audience:
Fellow Astronomers and Colleagues
Format:
A Speech
Topic:
You believe you have found a new star within Earths atmosphere.
Directions:
1. Use this website; https://www.aavso.org/how-report-new-variable-star-discoveries to
research on the proper steps to use after you discover a new star.
2. Create a script with note cards to present your information easily.
3. Make a visual to use during your presentation in order to show your audience what you
are speaking about.
4. Practice your note cards with the use of your visual in an effort to make yourself
comfortable with the topic and your presentation.
5. Ensure that your presentation is between 3 and 5 minutes long before you present it to the
classroom.
Tip: Sometimes nerves can cause you to talk faster than normal. If you create your
presentation to be a little longer than the required time, you will avoid the possibility of
your presentation being too short.
Resources:
Websites to visit:
How to report new variable star discoveries
https://www.aavso.org/how-report-new-variable-star-discoveries

Astronomy
http://www.astronomy.com/
Public Speaking
http://www.inc.com/ss/jeff-haden/20-public-speaking-tips-best-ted-talks
Assessment:
Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation on the star that you believe has been newly discovered.
Include a visual and notecards to use during your presentation.
You will be awarded up to 20 points for each of the following aspects: written script, notecards,
visual aid, and presentation length.

2014. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved

Example RAFT Task Card: Science Solar System

Objective:
You will describe the different attributes of Venus and what it is like to live there. Describe any
special accommodations made to live there and if you would like to visit another planet.
Student Role:
Extra-Terrestrial
Audience:
Classmates
Format:
An informational story
Topic:
What is it like living on the planet Venus?
Directions:
1. Using the internet research different websites that describe the different attributes of the
planet Venus.
2. Map out your story using a brainstorming method of your choice. Include your main
topics and a few details.
3. Using a classroom computer create a PowerPoint presentation to visually create your
story. Include your story as well as illustrations. Please make sure some of them are
interactive.
4. Have a fellow classmate edit and review your story for corrections and suggestions.
5. Have the final draft saved and turned into my inbox by the end of class of Friday.
Resources:
Websites to visit:
Surface of Venus
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/ask/45-What-is-the-surface-of-Venus-likeSurface of Venus
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/venus/surface.html
Photos of Venus
http://www.space.com/12437-venus-photos-planets-venusian-solar-system.html

Assessment:
Create a PowerPoint presentation of your story that is at least 10 slides long. Include facts and
images of Venus. Remember to include at least one interactive illustration or video. Make it fun!
You will receive up to 15 points for each of the following: 10 slides on your PowerPoint,
accurate facts about Venus on each one, an interactive illustration or video and flow of story line.

2014. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved

Example RAFT Task Card: Science Solar System

Objective:
You will be writing a newspaper article regarding the phases of the moon and why it has them.
Student Role:
Newspaper reporter
Audience:
Newspaper Readers
Format:
Article Format
Topic:
The Different Phases of the Moon and Why They Change.
Directions:
1. Visit http://www.moonconnection.com/moon_phases.phtml to research on the phases of
the moon.
2. Using your research, write a rough draft of an article including a diagram of the moons
phases. Turn the rough draft in by Wednesday.
3. I will return your rough drafts on Thursday with my corrections. Please take these and
type them up on a classroom computer. Please make sure that it is in article format and
your diagram is included.
4. Create your own newspaper page on a poster board with your article and diagram and
other items that you would find on a page in a local newspaper.
Resources:
Websites to visit:
Moon Phases
http://www.moonconnection.com/moon_phases.phtml
Writing a Newspaper Article
http://www.mediacollege.com/journalism/news/write-stories.html

Assessment:
Write a mock newspaper article on the moon and its phases. Use this article as a centerpiece for
an entire newspaper page. Make sure all the stories and photos relate to the subject.
You will receive up to 10 points for each of the following: grammar and spelling in article, at
least 500 words in article, diagram of moons phases and creativity of entire newspaper page.

2014. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved