Exploring The Solar System
Overview
CLIL SYLLABUS
The solay system: Units 1 & 2
Presentation of the course
1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This interdisciplinary course is designed for 5th-grade students to explore the wonders of the solar system through the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach. Over the span of 12 weeks, students will engage in a rich, immersive learning experience that integrates Natural Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Technology, Arts, and Language. The course aims to foster a deep understanding of the solar system while enhancing students' language skills and critical thinking.
2. RATIONALE
The 12-week CLIL syllabus on the solar system for 5th graders integrates Natural Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Technology, Arts, and Language, providing a holistic and immersive learning experience. By using English as the medium of instruction, the course simultaneously enhances cognitive and language skills through diverse methodologies such as inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and creative expression. This interdisciplinary approach not only addresses the urgent need for efficient English language acquisition but also fosters cultural awareness and technological literacy. The engaging theme of the solar system ensures high student motivation and deepens their understanding of astronomical concepts, preparing them for future academic and professional contexts.
3. LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Explain the components and structure of the solar system, including the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
- Apply mathematical concepts to calculate distances and sizes of celestial bodies and understand their orbits.
- Discuss the historical and cultural significance of the solar system in different civilizations.
- Use technology to simulate and model astronomical phenomena.
- Create artistic representations of the solar system through various media.
- Read, write, and present information about the solar system effectively in English.
CONTEXT:
- This syllabus is designed for 5th graders in a public elementary school who have an A2 level of English proficiency. The course aims to provide these young learners with both content knowledge and language skills appropriate to their developmental stage and language ability.
CONTENT:
- The course covers the following content areas:
- Natural Science: Structure and components of the solar system, celestial movements, and basic astronomical concepts.
- Mathematics: Measurement of distances, sizes, and understanding of scales within the solar system.
- Social Sciences: Historical perspectives, cultural significance, and the impact of the solar system on human civilization.
- Technology: Use of simulations, space exploration technology, and digital modeling.
- Arts: Visual arts, music, and drama inspired by the solar system.
- Language: Vocabulary building, reading comprehension, writing skills, and oral presentations related to astronomical topics.
PROCEDURE OF THE METHODOLOGY:
- The course utilizes a CLIL approach, integrating content and language learning through:
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Students explore scientific questions about the solar system through hands-on activities and experiments.
- Problem-Solving: Mathematical exercises and word problems related to astronomical measurements and scales.
- Project-Based Learning: Research projects on historical and cultural aspects of the solar system, culminating in written reports and presentations.
- Technology Integration: Use of computer simulations and educational software to visualize and model the solar system.
- Creative Expression: Artistic projects such as painting, drawing, and drama that allow students to express their understanding of the solar system creatively.
- Language Development: Structured reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities designed to build vocabulary and improve language skills within the context of the solar system.
LEARNING STANDARDS:
.Natural Science:
- Describo los principales elementos del sistema solar y establezco relaciones de tamaño, movimiento y posición.
- Comparo el peso y la masa de un objeto en diferentes puntos del sistema solar.
- Describo las características físicas de la Tierra y su atmósfera.
Technology:
- Manifiesto interés por temas relacionados con la tecnología a través de preguntas e intercambio de ideas.
- Analizo artefactos que responden a necesidades particulares en contextos sociales, económicos y culturales.
- Explico la diferencia entre un artefacto y un proceso mediante ejemplos.
Social Science:
- Reconozco la importancia de los aportes de algunos legados culturales, científicos, tecnológicos, artísticos, religiosos… en diversas épocas y entornos.
- Participo en debates y discusiones: asumo una posición, la confronto con la de otros, la defiendo y soy capaz de modificar mis posturas si lo considero pertinente.
Arts:
- Exploración de posibilidades expresivas desde prácticas artísticas específicas
- Se interesa por la representación realista
- Están en capacidad de memorizar procedimientos y manejar instrumentos y materiales por sí mismos
Mathemátics:
- Diferencio y ordeno, en objetos y eventos, propiedades o atributos que se puedan medir (longitudes, distancias, áreas de superficies, volúmenes de cuerpos sólidos, volúmenes de líquidos y capacidades de recipientes; pesos y masa de cuerpos sólidos; duración de eventos o procesos; amplitud de ángulos).
- Selecciono unidades, tanto convencionales como estandarizadas, apropiadas para diferentes mediciones.
Language- Inglés:
- Leo y entiendo textos auténticos y sencillos sobre acontecimientos concretos asociados a tradiciones culturales que conozco
- Mantengo una conversación simple en inglés con un compañero cuando desarrollo una actividad de aula.
- Solicito a mi profesor y a mis compañeros que me aclaren una duda o me expliquen algo sobre lo que hablamos.
CLIL CONCEPTS
Content
The syllabus covers an in-depth exploration of the solar system, focusing on the fundamental components such as the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Students will learn about the unique characteristics of each planet, including their size, composition, and atmosphere, as well as their orbits and the mechanics of celestial motion. Additionally, the course integrates other subject areas such as mathematics to calculate distances and scales, technology to understand the tools used in space exploration, social studies to appreciate the historical and cultural contexts of astronomical discoveries, and arts to creatively express understanding of the solar system. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that students gain a well-rounded and comprehensive knowledge of the solar system.
Communication
Language development is a key component of this CLIL syllabus, with a strong emphasis on enhancing English skills through content-based learning. Students will expand their vocabulary related to astronomy, improve their reading comprehension by engaging with texts about space, and develop their speaking abilities through presentations and discussions about the planets and space missions. Writing exercises will include descriptive paragraphs about celestial bodies and creative stories set in space, fostering both analytical and imaginative skills. Collaborative activities will encourage students to interact, ask questions, and share ideas, thereby improving their overall communication skills in English while engaging with scientific content.
Cognition
The syllabus is designed to stimulate cognitive development by encouraging students to understand, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information about the solar system. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of astronomical concepts, apply mathematical calculations to real-world space scenarios, and analyze the differences and similarities between celestial bodies. They will synthesize information from various disciplines to create projects such as models of the solar system and multimedia presentations, demonstrating their ability to integrate and apply their learning. Through reflective and evaluative tasks, students will consider the significance of space exploration and the contributions of historical figures in astronomy, deepening their critical thinking skills.
Culture
Cultural understanding is woven into the syllabus to help students appreciate the global significance of the solar system and the diverse ways in which different cultures have contributed to our knowledge of space. Students will explore how ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans and Greeks, viewed the stars and planets, and learn about the historical milestones in space exploration achieved through international cooperation. The syllabus also highlights the contributions of astronomers from various cultures and the impact of space on art, music, and literature. By examining these cultural perspectives, students will develop a broader awareness of the interconnectedness of human knowledge and the universal fascination with the cosmos.
UNIT 1
WEEK | DESCRIPTION | PEDAGOGIC STRATEGIES | HOURS | I.W. |
1 | Natural Sciences - Introduction to the solar system: In this lesson, students will identify and describe the planets of the solar system and their main characteristics. They will start by discussing what they know about the solar system in pairs, learn new vocabulary with images, work in groups to create a poster about a specific planet to present in class(this will be graded), and write a paragraph about their favorite planet (this will be graded).
|
Group discussion, Independent research, video observation, mathematical operations, painting, and descriptive writing productions.
| 2 | 4 |
2 | Technology - Space technologies exploration: In this lesson, students will explore how space technologies, such as telescopes and probes, aid in the exploration of the solar system. The lesson will begin with a discussion of a video of solar system discoveries through technology, continue with a group investigation of space technologies, design slides about a specific technology, and write a description of its use (this will be graded).
| 2 | 4 | |
3 | Maths - Understanding Planetary Distances In this lesson, students will learn about the vast distances between planets in the solar system through the concept of astronomical units (AU). They will create a scaled model of the solar system, calculating and visualizing these distances (this will be graded). The lesson emphasizes mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of large numbers, allowing students to solve problems related to planetary distances. By the end of the lesson, students will have a clearer understanding of the spatial relationships within the solar system.
| 2 | 4 | |
4 | Social Sciences - Historical Views of the Solar System:
Students will explore the evolution of our understanding of the solar system by studying historical models such as the geocentric and heliocentric theories. Through research and group activities, they will create timelines, highlighting significant discoveries and shifts in thought (this will be graded). This lesson emphasizes the development of critical thinking and research skills as students present and discuss how historical perspectives have shaped modern astronomy. | 2 | 4 | |
5 | Arts – Art inspired by celestial phenomena:
In this lesson, students will create and present a work of art inspired by phenomena in the solar system, such as eclipses, solar flares, lunar phases, and others. They will discuss images of artwork inspired by these phenomena, create their own artwork, present it explaining the process and elements used, and write a description of their artwork (this will be graded) | 2 | 4 | |
6 | Language - Descriptive Writing about Planets:
Students will enhance their descriptive writing skills by creating vivid descriptions of planets. Through learning and applying techniques such as sensory details and vivid adjectives, they will write and revise detailed passages about their chosen planets. Peer reviews will provide constructive feedback, helping students refine their work and develop a more nuanced and engaging writing style. | 2 | 4 | |
TOTAL | 12 | 24 |
UNIT 2
WEEK | DESCRIPTION | PEDAGOGIC STRATEGIES | HOURS | I.W. |
1 | Natural Sciences- Understanding celestial phenomenon Students will analyze and explain their created works about solar system phenomena such as eclipses, solar flares, lunar phases, and others. They will share experiences about these phenomena, use models to represent them, and discuss in groups how they occur. |
Analysis conversations, group discussion, presentation, writing production, size and shape, calculations, historical review, debate, artistic representation, reading, and descriptive writing.
| 2 | 4 |
2 | Technology -Space Missions: In this lesson, students will delve into specific space missions and their important discoveries. They will begin with a discussion about a featured space mission and its impact, research in groups about different missions and their discoveries, create a presentation about their assigned mission, and write a report on the most significant discovery. | 2 | 4 | |
3 | Mathematics – Planetary Sizes and Volumes: This lesson focuses on the sizes and volumes of planets. Students will begin by understanding the basic concepts of radius, diameter, and volume. They will engage in hands-on activities to measure and calculate the diameters and volumes of various spherical objects (self-assessment), then apply these concepts to the planets. Using the formula for the volume of a sphere, students will calculate and compare the volumes of different planets, enhancing their comprehension of planetary scale and size. | 2 | 4 | |
4 | Social Sciences - Space Exploration and Its Impact:
This lesson delves into the history and impact of space exploration on both our understanding of the solar system and society. Students will research and present on key space missions, such as Apollo and Mars Rovers, and their discoveries. A debate on the societal impacts of space exploration, including technological advancements and international cooperation, will help students critically assess the benefits and challenges of these endeavors, fostering a deeper appreciation of space exploration's role in scientific and societal progress. | 2 | 4 | |
5 | Arts – Mythology and the Solar System:
In this lesson, students will explore the mythology associated with the planets of the solar system and create artistic representations inspired by these myths (this will be graded). They will begin by discussing the mythology associated with the planets, create a work of art based on a specific myth, present their work by describing the process and elements used, and write a detailed explanation of their work and the myth depicted. | 2 | 4 | |
6 | Language - Creating your myth
In this lesson, students delve into ancient myths related to the sun, moon, and other celestial bodies, using these stories as inspiration for their own narrative writing. They start by exploring and summarizing myths from various cultures, identifying common themes and elements. Students then brainstorm and craft their own myths, focusing on descriptive language and vivid imagery (this will be graded). Through peer reviews and revisions, they refine their narratives, culminating in a presentation of their original myths. This lesson not only enhances their narrative writing skills but also fosters an appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultural stories about the cosmos.
| 2 | 4 | |
TOTAL | 12 | 24 |
Assessment
| Description | Percentage | |
| Tasks | Group work, paintings, investigations, oral and writing production.willigness . | 30% |
| Participation | Students´willingnes to participate. | 20% |
| Peer-assessment | Each student assesses the process of a peer | 10% |
| Self-assesment | Everybody assesses their own process | 10% |
| Final project | Students make a poster presentation regarding knowledge exploration of the solar system through the 6 subjects | 30% |