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Exploring the Universe Lesson Module
When teaching space science topics to young elementary students, it’s important to focus on hands-on activities and engaging visuals. Start with age-appropriate language to explain key concepts and incorporate stories about astronauts, space exploration, and the planets.
Exploring the Universe begins with elements of space that we can see, like the sun and stars. In interactive online activities, students extend on those concepts and also learn about the Milky Way. Students learn to distinguish stars in the night sky from planets, airplanes or the International Space Station.
Core Concept
Special tools are necessary to observe the galaxies, stars, and solar systems found in the universe.
Essential Vocabulary
Astronaut, Earth, galaxy, moon, orbit, planet, solar system, space, spacecraft, star, sun, telescope, universe
Lesson Plan
View Lesson PlanInteractive Demos
Explore
The 5E Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) helps students connect space science concepts and apply that knowledge to new situations. It’s time for action with the Explore session! This phase is all about investigation and discovery to promote interest in and curiosity about our solar system. In this session, students manipulate a virtual model of the solar system. Teacher-led discussion encourages students to wonder about the parts of our solar system. To complete the session, students work collaboratively offline and further explore the objects found in our solar system.
Play the Explore DemoOrganize the Sky
Think of this Elaborate session as a performance piece for students to apply what they have learned about Earth and space science topics to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently or collaborate with peers to complete an offline activity reinforcing science process skills. Check the Teacher Guide for more ways for students to share their learning.
Play the Organize the Sky DemoProfessional Development
Science4Us provides professional development and all the essentials for teachers to confidently and effectively lead a classroom in any science lesson. Introducing science concepts to your students is easier than ever. Take a look at the demo and support documents designed to build confidence in instruction.
- One section of the "Teacher Explain"
- One of the 40 teacher support documents
Additional Information
By beginning with what they know and making the work seem like play, K-2 students can build a foundation of knowledge and vocabulary about space! In one activity, students sort things found on Earth and things found in space. This activity and others reinforce literacy skills while teaching science process skills and content understanding.
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