Lesson 4: Newspaper Article Objective: Students will be creating their own newspaper article while comparing the different

characteristics of the planets in our Solar System. Content Standards: Writing Common Core Standards Grade 5: 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. a. Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; including formatting (e.g. headings), illustrations and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic e. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented 6. With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others Science Content Standards: Earth Sciences 5. The solar system consists of planets and other bodies that orbit the Sun in predictable paths. As a basis for understanding this concept: b. Students know the solar system includes the planet includes the planet Earth, the Moon, the Sun, eight other planets and their satellites, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets. Technology Standards 2. Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats Materials: 1. iPad 2. Google Docs 3. Omni Outline App 4. Newspaper App (www.fodey.com) Instructional Directions

Day 1: Using the information that they already have from their online journal, the students will use the Omni Outline app to make their own outline. Using the outline will help the students compare and contrast the different planets and their characteristics. Students will be required to compare all planets (ex. Color, size, rotation). Day 2: Students will then use www.fodey.com to write a paper comparing and contrasting the planets. Using fodey.com, the students will be able to write a column in the newspaper and show their knowledge of the different and similar characteristics on the planets. Day 3: Students will be able to finish up their column for their newspaper on fodey.com. The students will have this last day to finalize their columns and make sure they are comparing all of the planets. Rubric: Outline Score of 1 Student has less than half a page for their outline. Student did not compare and contrast the planets. Student was not able to successfully use Omni Outline App. Student did not compare or contrast any of the characteristics of the planets. The student listed a bunch of facts and did not put it into formal writing. Student had many grammar errors and a lot of spelling mistakes throughout the Score of 2 Student has less than a full-page outline. Student has compared and contrasted the different planets to each other. Student has successful used the Omni Outline App to their research. Student was able to compare and contrast some of the planets in their newspaper article. The student was able to engage the reader with their writing of the different planets. Student had very few grammar errors and spelling mistakes in their newspaper article Score of 3 Student has a fullpage outline. Student has compared and contrasted the different planets to each other. Student has successfully used the Omni Outline App to show their research. Student was able to Compare and Contrast all 8 planets in their newspaper article. The student was able to engage the reader with their writing of the different planets. Student has no errors in grammar and no misspelled words in their newspaper article.

Content

Grammar and Spelling

newspaper article