INTRODUCTION:
The Universe is everything that exists, including The Solar System and Outer Space. From Earth, we cannot see everything in our Universe; however, with increasing space exploration, we are constantly making new discoveries about its origin, structure, and behaviour. The solar system is an orderly one, which reflects its formation, 4.5 billion years ago. The sun makes up 99.8% of the mass of the solar system. The planets orbit the sun in orderly fashion, and the moons orbit them. Asteroids and comets are small, and most move in orderly fashion, but are occasionally diverted into paths that cause them to collide with the earth or other planet - with disastrous results.
The Universe is everything that exists, including The Solar System and Outer Space. From Earth, we cannot see everything in our Universe; however, with increasing space exploration, we are constantly making new discoveries about its origin, structure, and behaviour. The solar system is an orderly one, which reflects its formation, 4.5 billion years ago. The sun makes up 99.8% of the mass of the solar system. The planets orbit the sun in orderly fashion, and the moons orbit them. Asteroids and comets are small, and most move in orderly fashion, but are occasionally diverted into paths that cause them to collide with the earth or other planet - with disastrous results.
Phases of the Moon Model
Having some fun at the end of our space unit. We have been fortunate this unit to have some unique events happening in our solar system. On November 14th there was a supermoon, with another to occur in December.
Astronaut Training Journal
Currently students should have 3 entries in their Astronaut training journals:
1. A title page with the title "Train Like An Astronaut" as well as pictures/drawings related to space that is colourful and neat.
2. Mission #1 Entry - after watching videos of Chris Hatfield in space students were asked to write on the following 2 questions - a) If you could interview an astronaut, what questions would you ask him/her? and b) If you had the opportunity to travel to space, would you? Explain.
3. Mission #2 Entry - after participating in the crew challenge students were to answer 4 of the following questions:
a) Was your crew successful in finishing the puzzle?
b) What challenges did you face during the assembly of the puzzle?
c) How could your crew improve on the assembly of the puzzle?
d) How well did your crew communicate?
e) How did you work together? What did you do to work as a crew?
f) What tips or strategies would give to someone new to this activity?
1. A title page with the title "Train Like An Astronaut" as well as pictures/drawings related to space that is colourful and neat.
2. Mission #1 Entry - after watching videos of Chris Hatfield in space students were asked to write on the following 2 questions - a) If you could interview an astronaut, what questions would you ask him/her? and b) If you had the opportunity to travel to space, would you? Explain.
3. Mission #2 Entry - after participating in the crew challenge students were to answer 4 of the following questions:
a) Was your crew successful in finishing the puzzle?
b) What challenges did you face during the assembly of the puzzle?
c) How could your crew improve on the assembly of the puzzle?
d) How well did your crew communicate?
e) How did you work together? What did you do to work as a crew?
f) What tips or strategies would give to someone new to this activity?
Train Like An Astronaut - September/October
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an astronaut? We begin our space unit exploring that very topic! Developed in cooperation with NASA scientists and fitness professionals working directly with astronauts, the Train Like an Astronaut program is a physical and inquiry-based approach to human health and fitness on Earth and in space. Students will participate in physical activities modeled after the real-life physical requirements of humans traveling in space.
Using the Train Like an Astronaut activities, students will be involved in structured, hands-on science activities that relate physical Earth-based needs to the requirements of exploring space.
Using the Train Like an Astronaut activities, students will be involved in structured, hands-on science activities that relate physical Earth-based needs to the requirements of exploring space.
Check it out - Infographic: 20 Inventions We Wouldn't Have Without Space Travel
Interesting Videos
November 2016 SupermoonCarl Sagan: Pale Blue Dot |
How Big Is Space? |
Chris Hatfield Singing In Space |
To Scale: The Solar System |