Technology-Connected

Lesson Plan

Title: Excel with the Planets

Grade Levels:  Grades 4th- 6th
Curriculum Areas:  Science & Math
Measurable Objectives:  TLW use Internet resources to research and collect data on
planets in the solar system.
 TLW demonstrate the basic skills of Microsoft Excel by
completing a spreadsheet and a pictograph to displaying their
data.
Grade Level  {SCI.5.ESS.44} Explain rotation and revolution by using
Expectations: (GLEs) models or illustrations
 {SCI.5.ESS.43} Describe the characteristics of the inner and
outer planets
 {MA.6.30} See Above - Describe and analyze trends and
patterns observed in graphic displays
 {MA.5.28} See Above - Use various types of charts and
graphs, including double bar graphs, to organize, display, and
interpret data and discuss patterns verbally and in writing
 {MA.4.36} See Above - Analyze, describe, interpret, and
construct various types of charts and graphs using
appropriate titles, axis labels, scales, and legends
K-12 Educational  Technology Research Tools (Linking and Generating Knowledge
Technology Standards: Foundation Skill)
Students use appropriate technology to locate, evaluate, and
collect information from a variety of sources
 Technology Productivity Tools (Resource Access and
Utilization Foundation Skill)
Students use productivity tools to work collaboratively in
developing technology-rich, authentic, student-centered
products.

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Technology Connection:  Computer with Internet access
 Microsoft Excel
 Excel Spreadsheet Template
 How Many Planets?
http://msnucleus.org/membership/storybooks/planet.html
 Planet 10
http://www.solarsystem.org.uk/planet10
 Fact Monster – The Solar System
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0909527.html
 Kids Astronomy.com
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/the_planets.htm
 How Many Planets? (digital storybook & songs)
http://msnucleus.org/membership/guide/storybooks.html
Assessment:  Observation & Participation
 Completed Excel Data Table with Pictograph
Procedures:  Start the lesson off with a digital storybook to introduce
information about the solar system.
K-12 Animated Storybooks – How Many Planets?
 (Optional) On the same site, you can share some of the
following songs (Zoom Zoom, Constellations, and Beep Beep).
 Allow students time to use one or more of the following sites
to complete one of the four data forms attached (“What’s My
Size?”, “How Many Moons?”, “What’s My Distance?”, or “How
Long is a Year?” .
Planet 10
Fact Monster – The Solar System
Kids Astronomy.com
 Students will use the attached Excel spreadsheet template to
input their data. First, they need to click on the tab at the
bottom of the Excel spreadsheet that shows the data they
are inputting (ex. Diameter, Distance, Moons, or Orbits)
Excel Basics – You many need to cover some of the basics of
moving around on a spreadsheet and basic formatting tips.
 As the students input their data, the bars on the graph will
appear. As they continue to input their data, the bar graph
will turn into a pictograph.
 Students will print a hard copy of their pictograph to share
with the class.
 Extension – Students will go to Planet 10 to complete the
World Builder activity.
“Think you could create the perfect World? Here’s your
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 chance to try. With World Builder, you call the shots. Work
your way through each of the creation screens, but make your
choices wisely, only certain conditions will ensure your planet
is a successful place for life to grow and evolve.”
Materials:  Excel with the Planets Data Forms
 pencil
Teacher’s Name:  Kathy Prine
School:  CM Fagan