LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Travel in the Solar System

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L281

A lesson plan for Grades 6–8 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

About this resource

Appropriate grades
6–8
Subjects
mathematics (applied mathematics, probability, statistics)
Provider
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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In this lesson, students think about two aspects of the time required to complete space travel within the Solar System. Students consider the amount of time that space travelers must spend on the journey and what kinds of events might occur on Earth while the space travelers are on their journey. Thinking about both situations improves students' concept of time and distance as well as improves their understanding of the Solar System. Illuminations provides a handout and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.

Students will:

  • Apply measurement and computation to gain insight into the large numbers associated with distances in space.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Understand and use ratios and proportions to represent quantitative relationships.
  • Develop an understanding of large numbers and recognize and appropriately use exponential, scientific, and calculator notation.
  • Understand the meaning and effects of arithmetic operations with fractions, decimals, and integers.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will understand and compute with rational numbers.
    • Objective 1.04: Develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of non-negative rational numbers.
      • Analyze computational strategies.
      • Describe the effect of operations on size.
      • Estimate the results of computations.
      • Judge the reasonableness of solutions.
    • Objective 1.05: Develop fluency in the use of factors, multiples, exponential notation, and prime factorization.
    • Objective 1.06: Use exponential, scientific, and calculator notation to write very large and very small numbers.
    • Objective 1.07: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.

Grade 7

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will understand and compute with rational numbers.
    • Objective 1.02: Develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers.
      • Analyze computational strategies.
      • Describe the effect of operations on size.
      • Estimate the results of computations.
      • Judge the reasonableness of solutions.
    • Objective 1.03: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations -The learner will understand and compute with real numbers.
    • Objective 1.01: Develop number sense for the real numbers.
      • Define and use irrational numbers.
      • Compare and order.
      • Use estimates of irrational numbers in appropriate situations.
    • Objective 1.02: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.