Take a Spin Through The Solar System

How it Works:
Space travel used to exist only in science fiction. In today’s world, however, space travel is real, and the information received about planets is no longer fictional. Many students fantasize about space travel and are delighted to hear and read about space. Through this interdisciplinary unit students will embark on a journey through space which will introduce them to the planets and the sun, which make up the solar system. The students will learn the order of the planets in the solar system.

 The students will also learn and explore which planets have moons and other interesting facts about each planet. Activities will include making maps and three dimensional representations of the solar system, using the imagination and predicting what life would be like in a space station, and learning about the stars and the moon’s phases. Using the Internet and various software, students will research the various elements which make up the solar system and will go on a Scavenger! Hunt. Students will also develop an ABC Book using Kid Pix Productivity software to create a multimedia slide show.

Standards:
The student understands the interaction and organization in the Solar System and the universe and how this affects life on Earth.
The student recognizes the vastness of the universe and the Earth’ s place in it.
Students use technology to locate and collect information from a variety of sources.
Students will write with focus on a given topic.
Students will read to perform a task.
Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
10 or more

Software and Materials Used:
The Golden Book Encyclopedia
CD-Rom
Kid Pix CD-Rom
Internet
ClarisWorks
Printer
Literature Books
Art Supplies
Computer-generated Science Journals

Keywords:
Solar System, space, planets, stars, sun, moon, constellations, Earth, astronauts, rocket, space science

Students:
The students involved in this unit were second graders. There were 16 students in the classroom of mixed ability levels. The students had prior training using the computer. Students worked with the teacher and worked in small cooperative groups in many of the activities and during their research.

Overall Value:
Learning about space was very exciting and fun. This unit was also interactive which motivated the students. Access to the various Internet web sites on space helped students a great deal as students researched about space and went on a Scavenger Hunt. Students also participated in the many activities and games available to them on-line dealing with space. Students also enjoyed working with peers on creating their ABC books using Kid Pix for their multimedia presentation.

Tips:
Access to the Internet is important and students should have knowledge about navigating the Internet. The teacher should bookmark various web sites dealing with space in advance. Mini-lessons on using Kid Pix are also important before students begin their projects. 

 

About The Teacher:
Terry Garcia is a creative teacher who is constantly looking for meaningful activities in order to motivate and inspire her students. Terry is a graduate of Florida International University and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Mathematics through Florida State University. She began working in Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1995. She has been a part of the Citibank Family Tech program for two years.

Subjects: 
Science and English

Grade: 
Two

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