Planets of Solar System Research Lapbook Project - 3rd, 4th, 5th (Common Core)

Planets Research - Lapbook Edition: Differentiated templates, graphic organizers, printables, and more!

Research projects can often be overwhelming because they cover such a variety of standards. It is my hope that this Common-Core aligned, comprehensive resource will help streamline the process for you and your students so that it is both educational and enjoyable! I am passionate about creating truly differentiated resources that make it possible for ALL of your students to be successful, including students that struggle to write complete sentences. This planet research report resource is perfect for any time of year! It also makes a great extension project for students that need an extra challenge with independent study.

This Planets Research Report resource includes the all of the following:

PLANET RESEARCH NOTES - PRINTABLES
I personally make a copy of this notes packet for each student. I have them complete the notes prior to assembling the lap book.
• Research Cover page (including an illustration of the animal’s habitat)
• A Closer Look at My Planet - includes how long it takes the planet to make one revolution around the sun in its orbit, how long it takes to rotate on its axis, distance from the sun, number of moons, circumference, gravity, surface temperatures (highs and lows), who discovered the planet, how it is similar to and different from Earth
• Snapshots about My Planet - includes information about where the planet is located in the solar system (inner or outer planets), what it looks like from outer space, what the surface of planet looks like, climate and weather on planet, and atmosphere
• Interesting Facts
• Direct Quotes (focuses on citing resources to incorporate direct quotes into the final research paper)
• Vocabulary Flap Book - includes the following terms: axis, orbit, rotate, revolve


BUILD AN ESSAY RESOURCES
These pages provide differentiated support for students as they go through the writing process for their 5-paragraph research essay. These pages are especially helpful during the drafting phase of the research report. Each page includes "I Can" statements so students know how to meet the expectations for each paragraph of the essay. Each page also includes an editing checklist so students can assess their own writing and engage in peer review.

• MY FIRST SENTENCE - guides students through 3 strategies to help them write an engaging first sentence that hooks their audience

• INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH (2 differentiated options) - guides students through specific "I can" statements in order to write an engaging introduction paragraph that hooks their audience - includes checklist to edit with a partner

• BODY PARAGRAPH 1 - Planet Overview (2 differentiated options) - guides students through specific "I can" statements in order to write an engaging first body paragraph overview about their animal- includes checklist to edit with a partner

• BODY PARAGRAPH 2 - Planet Stats (2 differentiated options) - guides students through specific "I can" statements in order to write an engaging second body paragraph including interesting facts about their animal of choice - includes checklist to edit with a partner

• BODY PARAGRAPH 3 - Interesting Facts (2 differentiated options) - guides students through specific "I can" statements in order to write an engaging second body paragraph including interesting facts about their planet of choice - includes checklist to edit with a partner

• CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH - Effective Strategies - guides students through 3 strategies to help them write an engaging conclusion paragraph that brings closure to their research report

• CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (2 differentiated options) - guides students through specific "I can" statements in order to write a conclusion paragraph that brings closure to their research essay - includes checklist to edit with a partner

• Editing Checklist - final editing checklist for students before completing their research essay


RESOURCE PAGES

I have included 4 different options of resource pages for you to include with the students’ Research Notes Packs.
• Book Resources Only
• Online Resources Only
• Mix of Books and Online Resources
• Open-Ended Resource Option

GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS FOR APPLICATION AND EXTENSION
These research-based strategies are designed to help students increase their overall comprehension of the topic they are studying. Both graphic organizers are designed to help students assimilate what they have been learning about their animal.
• Alpha-Sort: Students will use higher-ordered thinking skills to determine which words are most important when describing their planet. I like to pair students up after they complete the word sort to discuss with a partner why they chose each word and to compare and contrast.
• Making Inferences: Students will use this graphic organizer to combine text clues with the schema (prior knowledge) in order to make inferences about their planets. It is a great tool to use while they are doing their research to make them think more deeply about the topic.
• Select Two and Respond: Students will choose any 2 words they associate with their planet to write in the boxes at the top of the page. They will then describe in a complete sentence, group of sentences, or paragraph the relevance of those specific words to their planet. This is also a great conversation starter for small group or partner discussion.
• Venn Diagram: I like to have students use this after they meet with a partner to compare and contrast the words from their Alpha-Sort graphic organizer. It is a great follow-up activity.


REPORT STATIONARY
• Intermediate Lined Paper (3 patterns, front and back)
• Primary Lined Paper (3 patterns, front and back)

VOCABULARY TOOLS
• Flash cards
• Vocabulary Practice Worksheet - includes opportunity for students to match words to their definitions and to Draw and Analyze the difference between "rotate" and "revolve"

ANNOTATING SOURCES IN APA FORMAT – STUDENT HANDOUTS
• Foldable Mini Book (2 pages/4 per page): These can be stapled together to pass out as a student resource OR cut apart and glued into an interactive notebook.
• Student Handout (1 page/8 per page): These can be stapled together to pass out as a student resource OR cut apart and glued into an interactive notebook.
• Flap Books Foldables (2 pages/4 per page): These can be glued into an interactive notebook.

ANNOTATING SOURCES IN APA FORMAT
• Color (8 pages) - includes printable posters and a teacher slide show
• Black line (8 pages) – INK-SAVING!


I hope you find this Planets Research Report project helpful! I have found it really helps get my students excited about the researching planets and stay organized in the process. I give each of my students a manila file folder as their “special research folder” during the project as well, and they love using it!

If you have any questions, please email me at adventuresofaschoolmarm@gmail.com