SCIENCE BOX OVERVIEW
Kit #21
Name: “Let the Sky be Your Guide”
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Content Strand: Earth & Space Sciences
Content Standard and Description: The Solar System and the Universe - Students understand that the earth is part of a planetary system within the Milky Way Galaxy, which is part of the known Universe.
Summary: By using the unique props in this kit such as, Styrofoam balls, rubber balls, ping pong balls, and others, students will be able to create their own hands on model of the solar system. This will ensure that the students learn a lot, but also have fun while doing it.
Learning Cycle Lesson Plans: Here is the list of the lesson plans in this kit.
1. “The Stars and Constellations” – This lesson is the framework for all of the other lessons in this kit. It gives an idea of where earth fits into our universe. It also teaches kids that the sun is really just one of many stars in our universe.
2. “Components of the Solar System” - Students will investigate and describe the components of our solar system. (i.e. planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and the sun).
3. “Motion of Celestial Objects” – Students will describe the phases of the moon, the movement of the stars in relationship to the seasons, and the effect comets have had on humanity throughout the ages.
What to Expect: By the end of this kit, teachers can expect their fifth graders to know a few specific things. First, they will be able to investigate and describe the basic components of our solar system (e.g. planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and the sun). Second they will be able to describe the apparent motion of celestial objects across the sky. Finally, they will be able to describe how the stars in the sky are not scattered evenly, and they are not all the same in brightness or color.
Evaluations: Here is what other teachers have said about this box.
1. “We’d like to use the box again for Physical Science class for radiant energy.”
2. “I liked the hands on approach.”
3. “Thanks for all your effort and organization.”