VELAMMAL GLOBAL SCHOOL 2024-2025

GRADE 5 - UNIT OF INQUIRY

Unit of Inquiry: 3

Transdisciplinary Theme: Where We Are In Place & Time

Central Idea: Exploring outer space is a continuous quest, pushing boundaries to reach Mars and further.

Lines of Inquiry:

An inquiry into:
● The composition of the Solar System
● Life beyond Earth
● Evolution of space technology and exploration around the globe

● Form - Learners will investigate the structure and features of the Solar System, focusing on
planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Specified Concepts: ● Connection - Learners will examine how space exploration is interconnected with life on
Earth, including its impacts on technology, science, and our understanding of the universe.

● Change - Learners will study how space exploration has evolved over time, from early
telescopes to current missions to Mars and beyond.
● Structure
Additional Concepts: ● Progress
● Space Technology
● Innovation
 ● Open-minded - Learners will respect and appreciate diverse perspectives, understanding how
cultures, nations, and scientists contribute uniquely to space exploration.
● Risk-Takers - Learners will approach challenging questions about the unknown in space
Learner Profile Attributes: exploration with courage, proposing bold ideas and exploring possibilities.
● Caring - Learners will demonstrate empathy for Earth and the universe, understanding how
space exploration connects to preserving resources and ensuring a sustainable future.
● Principled - Students will act with integrity and fairness, considering the ethical implications
of space exploration and the responsibility of humanity in the cosmos.
● Thinking Skills - Learners will use both critical and creative thinking to analyze information,
solve problems, and make connections between space exploration and its impact on Earth and
beyond.
Approaches to Learning ● Self-Management Skills - Students will learn to organize their time and tasks effectively,
maintain focus on their goals, and demonstrate perseverance in solving challenges related to
space exploration.
● Social Skills - Students will develop collaboration and communication skills as they work
together to explore ideas, solve problems, and share their findings about outer space.
Learning Outcomes:
● Learners will explore the composition and features of the Solar System.
● Learners will investigate the possibilities of life beyond Earth and its implications for
humanity.
● Learners will analyze the evolution and global impact of space technology and exploration,
focusing on its contributions to society and its challenges.

Success Criteria
I can -

● Identify and describe the key components and features of the Solar System.
● Articulate the scientific methods and evidence used to explore the possibility of life beyond
Earth.
● Present examples of how advancements in space technology have influenced daily life and
global development.
 ● Propose creative solutions to current challenges in space exploration, such as sustainability in
space missions or interplanetary travel

Agency - Voice, Choice, Ownership ● Voice -

Learners will be encouraged to co-construct the Lines of Inquiry by allowing them to
brainstorm additional questions related to the central idea.
Example: What do you want to know about space exploration?
Invite learners to participate in designing the summative task. For instance, they can decide
how to demonstrate their understanding—through a presentation, model, or creative story.
● Choice
Choice of Inquiry Topics: Learners choose which planet, satellite, or space technology they
want to research.
Choice of Medium: Learners will have the choice to opt between creating a physical model,
recording a podcast, designing a digital infographic, or writing a fictional journal from the
perspective of an astronaut.
Choice of Collaboration Style: Learners will have the liberty to decide whether they want to
work individually, in pairs, or in groups for specific activities.
● Ownership
Facilitate reflection and inquiry journals where learners track their progress, document new
discoveries, and set personal goals for the unit.
Establish learner-led conferences where they present their findings to peers, teachers, or even
parents, showcasing their journey and insights.
Resources : Books : Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Space Adventures - The Paul Shipton v=pGmR1HiW9H0
Outer Space - Dana Meachen Rau https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbJHOgvh7ik
Outer Space - Anne Rooney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go0Mto2fOXY
Guide to the Galaxy - Damian Harvey
Stars - Lauri Kubuitsile
Satellites and the GPS - Natalie M Rosinsky
How to Land on the Moon - Nancy Dickmann

Objective: Spark curiosity and surface prior knowledge.

5E Inquiry Model:
 Engagement: Start with the VTR Zoom In.
Engage:
● Show learners an incomplete, zoomed-in image of a spacecraft, planet, or galaxy. Gradually
reveal more of the image, pausing to ask:
○ What do you see?
○ What do you think is happening here?
○ What does it make you wonder?

Final reveal could be an iconic space image like the Space Station or the Hubble Space Telescope.

Engagement 1: Hands-on Solar System Modeling

Explore:
● Use household items (e.g., fruits, balls) to create a scale model of the Solar System. Learners
can calculate the distances between planets and represent orbits.
● Reflect with the VTR Think, Puzzle, Explore:
○ What do you think about the Solar System?
○ What puzzles you?
○ What do you want to explore further?

Engagement 2: Searching for Life Beyond Earth

● Provide learners with images and data on Mars, and Satellites (e.g. Moon). Ask them to
analyze the conditions necessary for life.
● Learners to research and look for interesting facts on topics like outer space, mars or life
beyond Earth.

Explain Engagement: Deepening Understanding

Learners reflect on the relevance of the topic in real life by explaining:

● Me: How does this topic personally impact or interest me (e.g., how space exploration could
influence my future or hobbies)?
● People Around Me: How does this topic matter to my community or family (e.g., how
satellite technology improves communication and weather forecasts)?
 ● People in the World: How does this topic shape global advancements (e.g., how space
technology addresses global challenges like climate monitoring or resource scarcity)?

Elaborate Engagement: Timeline of Space Exploration

● Learners research the evolution of space technology (e.g., Sputnik, Apollo 11, SpaceX) and
create an annotated timeline. Include key milestones and their impact on humanity.
● Use The 4Cs Routine:
○ Connections: How is space exploration connected to life on Earth?
○ Challenges: What are the biggest challenges in space exploration?
○ Concepts: What big ideas or concepts can we learn from space technology?
○ Changes: How has our understanding of space changed over time?

Engagement: Use the VTR Step Inside for reflection:

Evaluate
● Learners step into the role of an astronaut, scientist, or policymaker involved in space
exploration. Reflect on questions like:
○ What do you feel about the future of space exploration?
○ What challenges or responsibilities come with this role?
○ What actions would you take to ensure the success of your mission or goals?

Assessment:

● Evaluate through peer presentations of their mission designs and timelines.

● Evaluate through peer presentations of their mission designs and timelines.
○ Peer-assessment prompts:
■ The good points.
■ Ways to enhance.
■ Your favorite part.
 Learners will present the future of space exploration and its potential impacts on everyday life,
Action inspiring innovation and interest in space technology within their school or local community.

Ongoing Assessment
Formative Assessment: 1
Quiz on the Solar System and Space Exploration

Objectives:

● Learners will demonstrate knowledge of the composition of the Solar System, including
planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
● Learners will recall basic facts about the evolution of space technology and exploration
milestones.

Formative Assessment 2
Research.

Objective: Evaluate research skills and understanding of the conditions required for life.
Task: Learners explore specific topics like:

○ The possibility of water on Mars.

○ The role of Satellites.

Present findings in a format of their choice (e.g., report, Flash Cards, poster).

Criteria:

● Depth of research and use of credible sources.

● Relevance to the theme of life beyond Earth.
● Ability to explain findings clearly to peers.
Formative Assessment 3
Timeline of Space Exploration

Objective: Gauge understanding of the evolution of space technology and its impact.
Task:

● Learners create a chronological timeline showing key milestones (e.g., Sputnik launch, Moon
landing, Mars rovers, SpaceX launches).
● Annotate each event with its significance to humanity and technological development.

Criteria:

● Completeness and accuracy of the timeline.

● Explanation of the relevance of each event.
● Inclusion of learner perspectives (e.g., What might this lead to in the future?)

Summative Assessment Learners to research and present their opinions on space exploration.

Learning Objective:
Learners will analyze the current state of space exploration and propose realistic advancements for
the future.
Learners will explain how space technology can address global challenges (e.g., climate change,
communication, resource scarcity).
Learners will develop communication and presentation skills to share ideas effectively with a broader
audience.

Success Outcomes:
I can -

● demonstrate understanding of the current state of space exploration (e.g., missions to Mars,
advancements in satellite technology).
● Create well-researched and innovative presentations that are grounded in scientific reasoning.
● Create presentations that incorporate multimedia tools (e.g., videos, slides, models).
● Inspire curiosity and dialogue among peers and the local community about space exploration.