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Space Unit
Submitted by Admin (08-11-2012)
Space Unit
Hi,
I teach P-3 and want to do a space unit this term as I have to cover Earth and Beyond in Science. I realize that what I have to do for preps is different from what I have to cover for Year 2 and 3. I would appreciate any ideas.
Thanks,
Josie
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These are all great ideas! Thank-you all so much!!
I am a teacher of an Yr1/2 class we are investigating Our Place in Space. The entry door shows each child's head glued onto a NASA spacesuit, from the NASA website. They are laminated and displayed around the Earth.
Our space shuttle is made from a lawnmower box and called CFIS. The children called it this and then said Can Fly Incredibly Speedily. They studied detailed pictures to organise their construction.
They have been very keen on following the final flight of Atlantis and made their own spacecraft using box construction.
One of the other teachers lent me her photo board. It is black cardboard with an astronaut walking in space and the children stand behind to have their photo taken, very exciting!
I have linked the unit to each area of the curriculum including exploring different literacy formats. We are looking at information reports and narratives. We have a space fitness program, security cards and lots of resources. They were most interested in how astronauts eat, sleep and care for themselves in space.
Have great fun learning!
I teach Prep and the children showed an interest in Out of Space so we have built a very large rocket out of an old fridge box. I covered part of a wall with black fabric and displayed pictured of the planets, sun etc on it to create the Solar System. The children have now planned how to make their own astronaut suits and the making phase will start tomorrow. We will learn about each planet etc so as the children explore space in their rocket they will know how to act on each planet or whether they can even land there. There are also a few great apps for iPhone or iPad I plan on using... Like a navigation system when in the rocket. My children are loving the rocket already and are looking forward to creating their space suits. Some aliens and flying saucers are even being created in the making place.
Have you thought about Peer mentoring in your P-3 class - the older kids teaching the younger? That way you can cover what you need to and the kids get the benefit of working with others which will encourage self-esteem, co-operation etc.
Models of the Solar System are easy to do with polystyrene balls, mural painting etc. Songs, drama, role play can be incorporated at all levels and will assist those children with different learning styles.
Focus on what they want to know about space. The last launch of the Space Shuttle could be a good starting point, the first man on the moon, the first man in space, the first animal in space etc. what do they already know? You will need to know that as it is boring for children to go over what they already know - this is where teaching the younger kids may be encouraged.
Don't just have space as a science theme - incorporate it into every learning area - spelling words, maths, T&E, etc, etc.
Good luck!
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