I love the idea of space week and have gotten a little carried away with my space week plan! However, I do think that these activities could be spread throughout my monthly SESE plan, so as to make sure the learning objectives are met, and to allow for some guided discovery and teacher modelling. I have 2nd class.
Monday: Solar System Exploration
Activity: Create a Model of the Solar System
Description: Students work in groups to create a scaled model of the solar system using materials like Styrofoam balls and cardboard. They will label each planet and learn about its position relative to the Sun.
SESE Link: Science (Earth and Space) – Understanding the solar system’s structure and the relative positions of the planets.
Tuesday: Starry Night Art
Activity: Constellation Art and Storytelling
Description: Students learn about various constellations, then create their own constellation artwork using black paper and white chalk or paint. They will also invent a story or myth about their constellation.
SESE Link: History – Exploring how ancient cultures used the stars and created myths. Geography – Understanding how different constellations are visible in different parts of the world.
Wednesday: Rockets
Activity: Build and Launch Paper Rockets
Description: Students design and build simple paper rockets. They will then launch them using straws, experimenting with different designs to see which flies the farthest.
SESE Link: Science (Forces) – Exploring how air pressure and force can propel objects, linking to real-world space exploration.
Thursday: Moon Phases Exploration
Activity: Moon Phases with Oreos
Description: Using Oreo cookies, students will recreate the phases of the Moon. They will learn about how the Moon orbits the Earth and why we see different phases.
SESE Link: Geography – Understanding the Earth-Moon relationship and how the Moon’s phases are connected to its position relative to the Earth and Sun.
Friday: Space Exploration and Debate
Activity: Space Mission Debate
Description: Divide the class into teams to debate the importance of space exploration. Each team can research a specific space mission (e.g., Apollo 11, Mars Rover) and present arguments for the benefits and challenges of space exploration.
SESE Link: Science and History – Understanding the impact of space exploration on scientific knowledge and human history, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.