Exploring the Universe Lesson Plan

Engage

The Engage session activates students’ prior knowledge of the objects found in the universe. In this session students use their digital Notebooks to record what they know and then watch an animated story that gets them thinking further about the topic. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion of the objects in space and the special tools needed to travel to space. To complete the session, students collaborate with peers offline and continue to unpack their prior knowledge.

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.

Explain

The Explain session mixes animation with real-life video clips to provide a clear and concise description of the universe and the tools needed to explore space. Students are also encouraged to express their understanding in their own words as they participate in teacher-led discussions. To complete the session, students participate in an offline activity that allows them to demonstrate mastery of the content.

What Fits Inside?

This Elaborate session promotes the use of formal definitions and explanations in a format not traditionally used in science instruction. In this session students view an animated literature piece and use their digital Notebook to record their ideas. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that emphasizes the science content. To complete the session, students participate in offline activities that reinforce the connection between science, literature, and the arts.

SmArt Gallery

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to space and space exploration. In this session students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Brainy Bots

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to the module content. In this session students participate in a selection of activities that focus on vocabulary and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity.

Alphabetize

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to space and space exploration. In this session students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

SillyBulls

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to space and space exploration. In this session students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Take a Note

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned 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 with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Organize 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.

Evaluate

The Evaluate session reviews and assesses students’ knowledge of the content covered in the module. In this session students participate in a teacher-led review of all concepts covered. Students complete an online assessment to measure their progress toward learning goals. Offline evaluations are available and can be used as needed.