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Black Holes: What are They?

School: High Tech High

City/State: San Diego, CA

Grade(s): 9

Format(s): Book: Nonfiction/Informational

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology, Visual Arts

Project Overview

Black Holes: What Are They? is a children’s book created by two students during their freshman year at High Tech High. For this project, the students selected, research, and wrote an essay on a topic related to astronomy. Then using the information in their essay, they wrote and illustrated this book. This book tackles complicated questions including: what is a black hole; how are black holes formed; how do we know where black holes are if we can’t see them; and will the sun turn into a black hole? It also clearly defines terms including gravity, density, mass and galaxy.  The students worked in groups to edit and revise their text so that it is appropriate for young children.

For the illustrations, the students selected a dedicated medium for their book, in this case a combination of painting and digital images.  The style of the book is appropriate for a children’s book, with fun graphics, and is written from the perspective of a small planet in conversation with the sun. The completed book is available for purchase through blurb.com.  

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • The writing of a book for a younger audience allowed these students to succinctly demonstrate their understanding of the content.
  • The final product demonstrates the integration of scientific research, observation and visual art into a single, high quality representation of their work.
  • A great example of collaboration between two students to create a succinct and cohesive final product.

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.9-10.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey complex ideas and concepts clearly and accurately, using content that is carefully selected, organized, and analyzed.
W.9-10.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
W.9-10.5
  • I can use the writing process to focus on what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
W.9-10.9
  • I can select evidence from literary informational texts to support analysis, reflection and research.
L.9-10.1
  • I can use correct grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.9-10.3
  • I can use a style manual appropriate for the discipline and type of writing.
L.9-10.6
  • I can use resources to build my vocabulary.
RST.9-10.7
  • I can translate visual or mathematical text into words, using quantitative or technical vocabulary.
WHST.9-10.2
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.4
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.5
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.7
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.9
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
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