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.
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