This pathfinder was designed to aid fourth grade teachers in finding information on the Solar System. The pathfinder includes print resources such as encyclopedias, information books, and literature focused on the topic, as well as web sites, audivisual materials, and additional teacher resources.

Search Guides

Try using these keywords and phrases to search Magazine Index, the library online catalog, CD-ROM or print encyclopedias or the World Wide Web:

Keywords and Phrases

• Astronomy
• Planets
• Solar System

Library of Congress – Subject headings

• Astronomy -- Juvenile literature
• Planets -- Juvenile literature
• Solar System -- Juvenile literature

Dewey Decimal

• 523s

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Reference Materials

• Bingham, C. (2008). First Space Encyclopedia. New York: Dk Pub.
  Provides information about various aspects of space, explaining what it is, and discussing the origins of the solar system, space exploration, objects in the solar system, comets and meteors, space mysteries, stars and constellations, space technology, and other topics.
• Kashner, Z. (2007). The world almanac for kids, 2008. New York: World Almanac Books.
  Provides information on topics of particular interest to kids, including the solar systems.
• Kobasa, P. A. (2007). World Book's solar system & space exploration library. Chicago: World Book.
  These books are at a good readability level for younger children and engaging enough for middle school space enthusiasts. Within the books, each planet is compared to Earth, questions about life on the different planets are included, and the space missions to each of the planets are covered. Other topics included in this set are various telescopes and probes, space stations, galaxies, and where humans fit in space exploration.
• Scholastic Inc. (2004). Scholastic children's encyclopedia. New York: Scholastic Reference.
  Great starting point for students trying to answer basic questions about the solar system. Easy to read and wonderful illustrations.
• World Book, Inc. (2003). World book 2004. Chicago, Ill: World Book.
  Great starting point for students trying to answer basic questions about the solar system

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Nonfiction/Information Books

• Carson, M. K. (2006). Exploring the solar system: a history with 22 activities. Chicago, Ill: Chicago Review Press.
  Discover the history of space exploration including some very recent finds.
• Deboo, A. (2007). Mapping the planets and space. Map readers. Chicago, Ill: Heinemann Library.
  This book is wonderfully illustrated with mostly NASA images, maps, and charts. There is an introduction to the specific subject, eight to ten short chapters about the history of space, including the planets, and an activity section.
• Kortenkamp, S. (2007). Why isn't Pluto a planet?: a book about planets. First facts. Mankato, Minn: Capstone Press.
  This is a great supplementary book for the science/solar system curriculum. It addresses the Pluto controversy and the material is presented in a “graphic novel” like style.
• Simon, S. (2007). Our solar system. [Washington, D.C.]: Smithsonian.
  Describes the origins, characteristics, and future of the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.
• Theodorou, R. (2006). Across the solar system. Chicago: Heinemann Library.
  Takes the reader on a journey through the solar system, describing comets, asteroids, and the planets, including their average temperature, length of day, distance from the sun, and more.
• Williams, B., & Egan, V. (2008). The solar system. Florence: McRae Books.
  An exploration of the different planets in our solar system.

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Fiction Books

• Bennett, J. O., & Okamoto, A. (2006). Max goes to Mars: a science adventure with Max the dog. Boulder, Colo: Big Kid Science.
  This exciting picture book combines an engaging story with real science to help children and parents learn about Mars. Back from his trip to the moon, Max the dog is ready for his next adventure the first human mission to Mars. But the trip is too long for his human friend Tori to make, so she helps Max prepare for the journey. On the red planet, Max sniffs out many mysteries and makes one of the most important discoveries of all time. The engaging story fuels young readers interest in space travel, while explaining difficult scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Cohn, A., & Sullivan, D. (1998). Solar system SOS. Denver, CO: Accord Pub.
  When the sun strays from its normal position, representatives from each planet in the solar system team up to solve the problem. Two wiggling eyeballs attached to front cover show through die-cut holes in the pages.
• Heine, T., & Tavares, V. (2006). Star seeker. Cambridge, MA: Barefoot Books.
  Describes an imaginary journey through the night sky, from joining Orion on a hunt to hitching up the North Star for a ride. Includes facts about astronomy, the solar system, and constellations.
• Shields, C. D., & Nash, S. (2000). Martian rock. Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press.
  A group of Martians looking for life on the different planets in the solar system make a surprising discovery just as they are about to give up.

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Audiovisuals

• Cook, N., & Holm, I. (2006). Bye bye planet Pluto. [England]: BBC Active.
  Looks at the scientific debate that resulted in Pluto's demotion to a minor planet.
• Johnston, S., & Johnston, M. (2007). Solar system for kids. Whittier, CA: Finley-Holiday Film Corp.
  Explore and learn about all the planets and their moons, asteroids, comets and more as Max and Blinker take you on an adventure-filled journey to the planets.
• JWM Productions, & Schlessinger Media. (2006). Planets & the solar system. Schlessinger science library. Wynnewood, PA: Schlessinger Media.
  Students will learn the key characteristics of each planet, the difference between inner and outer planets, and which planets have their own moons. They'll take a fascinating look at how remote-control rovers are designed to explore other surfaces in the solar system. Also, in a fun, hands-on activity, students will demonstrate how gravity keeps all the members of the solar system in orbit around the Sun.
• Nye, B. (2007). The way cool game of science. The solar system and space. Bill Nye the science guy. Elk Grove Village, IL: Disney Educational Productions.
  Test your science knowledge playing a DVD game with clips from original Byll Nye the Science guy shows.
• Ritacco, G., Bigford, J., Jackson, C., Cybele, T., Parker, C., Jackson, E., et al. (2007). The solar system a first look. El Dorado Hills, CA: 100% Educational Videos.
  Students take a tour of our solar system. Visit each of the nine planets to learn about their special features, sizes, and orbits. Learn about the planets' moons and rings, and how gravity keeps them in orbit. Stop at the sun, discover its immense size, and see sunspots and solar flares. Find out what scientists have learned about the planets through telescopes, space missions, and satellites.
• Vivendi Universal Games (Firm), Tele Images Kids, Luxanimation, & Schlessinger Media. (2006). Space exploration: Adi in space. Studying the solar system. Wynnewood, PA: Schlessinger Media.
  Adi and Woops take viewers on a spectacular journey to the nearest star -- our sun -- to uncover how its rays travel through space and make life on Earth possible. From there, viewers travel with the alien pair to the outer reaches of our solar system to explore the planets furthest from the sun!

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Internet Sources

• Discovery Channel Space Guide. (2008). Discovery Channel. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from Discovery Channel at http://dsc.discovery.com/guides/space/space.html
  Explore the universe with Discovery Channel's Space Guide.
• Exploring Space. (2004). National Geographic. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from National Geographic at http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/space/index.html
  You will explore many fascinating aspects of planet Earth- from its inner core to the depths of its oceans.
• Nasa Kids: Solar System. (2008). NASA Kids. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from NASA at
  http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/nasakids.cfm
  The Solar System Exploration Home Page is part of NASA's Office of Space Science and describes NASA's program to explore the solar system.
• Solar System Exploration. (2008). NASA. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from NASA at http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/index.cfm
  This site provides relevant information on the planets and where they are.
• Star Child: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers
  http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/StarChild.html
  Movies, information, quizzes, and definitions of the details of space and its objects.

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Images

• Hamilton, C. (2008). Views of the Solar System. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from Views of the Solar System at http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=solar%2Bsystem%2Bimages
  Views of the Solar System presents a multimedia adventure unfolding the splendor of the ... early astronauts, space missions, and a large image/video archive.
• New Solar System. (2007). Space.com. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from Space.com at http://www.aboutspace.com/php/multimedia/imagegallery/igviewer.php?imgid=4162&gid=298
  The IAU has proposed a new definition for planets that brings the tally to 12. See them all!
• Photojournal: NASA's Image Access Home Page. (2008). NASA. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from NASA at http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html
  Publicly released images from various Solar System exploration programs.
• Solar System Collection. (2007). Hubblesite. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from Hubblesite at
  http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/solar_system_collection/
  Solar System Collection:. Results 1 - 50 of 293. Search Picture Album ... Hubble Images of Asteroids Help Astronomers Prepare for Spacecraft Visit.
• The Solar System Image Archives. (2000). Windows to the Universe. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from Windows to the Universe at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/our_solar_system/system_il.html
  Images of the Solar system, including the planets and the sun.
  
  

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Teacher Resources

• Amazing Space
  http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/
  Amazing Space is a set of web-based activities primarily designed for classroom use. It features online explorations of planets, galaxies, comets, black holes, and other inhabitants of our vast universe. It offers teaching tools for educators which include resources with educator guides, graphic organizers, pictures and facts, and science content readings.
• At Discover School .com--Understanding the Universe
  http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/understanding-theuniverse/index.html
  Access several astronomy lesson plans.
• Center for Educational Resources (CERES) Project
  http://btc.montana.edu/ceres/
  Extensive library of on-line and interactive K-12 science education materials for teaching astronomy.
• Space Theme - Lesson Plans, Thematic Units, Printables, Worksheets
  http://store.atozteacherstuff.com/
  A to Z Teacher Stuff ~ Teacher Resources, Lesson Plans, Themes, Tips, .... Resource Site. A multimedia tour of the solar system.
• Windows Team. (2001). Windows to the Universe. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 at Windows to the Universe at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
  Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system covering the Earth and Space sciences. Includes teacher resources and student activities.

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Free Wireless Access

• Atlanta Bread Company
• Krystals
• McDonalds
• Panera Bread
• Starbucks (limited Access)

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Standards

• S4E2 Students will model the position and motion of the earth in the solar system and will explain the role of relative position and motion in determining sequence of the phases of the moon.

Georgia Standards. Georgia Standards Organization. Retrieved on January 2-April 7, 2008 on Georgia Standards at http://www.georgiastandards.org/

AASL Standards

• 1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
• 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.
• 1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for assessing information and pursuing inquiry.
• 2.1.1 Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical thinking skills (analysis,
  synthesis, evaluation,organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new
  understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge.
• 2.1.2 Organize knowledge so that it is useful.
• 2.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information.
• 2.4.1 Determine how to act on information (accept,reject, modify).
• 2.4.3 Recognize new knowledge and understanding.

American Association of School Librarians. (2008). Standards for the 21st-Century learner. Retrieved on March 3, 2008, from http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf

ISTE National Technology Standards

• 3. Research and Information Fluency. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
  a. plan strategies to guide inquiry.
  b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
  c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
  d. process data and report results.
  

• 4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
• 6. Technology Operations and Concepts. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems and operations.

a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2007). National educational technology standards for students: the next generation. Retrieved on March 3, 2008 from http://www.iste.org/inhouse/nets/cnets/students/pdf/NETS_for_Students_2007.pdf

Elementary Information Literacy Skills: Fourth Grade

• Demonstrate comprehension when reading a variety of literary forms (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama).
• Use alphabetical order to locate information.
• Locate media center resources using Dewey Decimal System.
• Independently locate and select a book based on personal interest.
• Use guide words in dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc., as aids for finding information.
• Use various sources (periodicals, A-V, software, encyclopedias, atlases, thesauri, multimedia and Internet resources, newspapers and other reference resources) to answer information questions
• Select and evaluate print and non-print resources.
• Recognize appropriate uses of information and information technology.

• Use basic research techniques with teacher guidance.

Elementary Literacy Skills. (2008). Clayton CountyMedia Services. Retrieved on March 3, 2008, from http://www.clayton.k12.ga.us/departments/instruction/mediaservices/elementaryschool.asp

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