Grade1st Lesson2nd Lesson3rd Lesson4th Lesson
KindergartenDay/Night (45 minutes)Measuring Temperatures*-
1st GradeUV Bead InquiryMirror, MirrorNefertiti the Spidernaut-
2nd GradePlay-Doh size model of Earth, Moon and MarsWhere is Saturn in the Solar System? Where am I in the Solar System? (45 minutes)I Want to be an Astronaut (Students learn about traits needed to be an astronaut and practice those traits at centers)Fun with Tangrams!
3rd GradeTelescope Basics (Reflecting/Refracting) followed by solar observingMirror Moon Does Matter Matter? -
4th GradeModel night/day/year and seasons (we need a darkened area where students can form a large circle – desks or tables can be moved to the middle of the classroom)Model Lunar Phases/Month (we need a darkened area where students can form a large circle – desks or tables can be moved to the middle of the classroom)Construct a Moon Finder (45 minutes)
5th GradePlay-Doh size model of the solar system (75 minutes)The Scoop on Moon Dirt (90 minutes which could be divided into two 45-minute blocks)The Story of PlutoClues to the Cosmos (Using Filters)
6th GradeTalk about the Sun with an emphasis on UV radiation, followed by solar observingCrateringConstruct Galileoscopes – this activity should be followed by an evening star party“Houston, We Have a Problem” – Using Apollo 13 as a springboard, students use the engineering design process to create a landing craft for an “egg-stronaut”
7th GradeConstruct a distance model of the solar system using string and beads (90 minutes, which can be broken into two 45-minute sessions, or the students may complete the model at home)Mission MoonInvisible Universe: Investigating the Electromagnetic SpectrumConstruct Planeshpheres (Starfinders) *This activity should be followed by a star party.
8th GradeBuild a comet (Dependent on availability of dry ice)Mission PatchesMarsbound: Mission to the Red Planet (This activity takes two full class periods)Lava Layering
High SchoolNewton's Laws and Rockets: Alka-Rockets, Straw Rockets, Bottle Rockets, and Stomp Rockets-Marsbound: Mission to the Red Planet (This activity takes two full class periods)-