Exploring the Universe (Our Solar System)

Welcome aboard 2nd graders!!! Today you are joining NASA as an Astronaut for this space journey. 

Should you chose to accept it, your mission is to explore the Universe. You will be guided through your space journey by a Senior 4th grade Astronaut.

Your Senior Astronaut will guide you through three different space stations during your journey. 

5,4,3,2,1 - BLAST OFF!!!

First Step in your Space Journey, is to find a 4th Grade Senior Astronaut to guide you through your Space Journey.

Second Step in your journey is to work with your Senior Astronaut to find a research center (find a place in the classroom and a device to begin your research)

What is an astronaut?  Click on the link to research.

http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts

BLAST OFF CENTERS!!  

First Stop: Let's explore the constellations!!

Click on the link below and sing along with One Direction to learn about stars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCUS2uNGw7k

Now you have learned about Stars, click on the link below to research constellations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZffhapfOgg

The most famous constellation is the Big Dipper!

The Big Dipper is one of the first star formations many children learn to recognize when gazing up at the vast night sky. Brush up on your knowledge of the oversized outer space scooper with five out of this world facts.

1. The Big Dipper isn’t a constellation. What?! Seriously. The formation is actually an asterism and part of the constellation Ursa Major.
2. The Big Dipper is comprised of seven stars: Alkaid, Mizar, Alioth, Megrez, Phecda, Merak, Dubhe.
3. In 50,000 years, the Big Dipper will change shape and face the opposite way.
4. The Bible refers to the formation as “the seven stars” (Amos 5:8).
5. In other countries, the Big Dipper is referred to as the Plough, the Saucepan, the Great Wagon, and the Big Bear.

Now it's time for you to make your own constellation!

1. Working with your Senior Astronaut, go to Commander Center for your supplies.  You will need the following to make your own constellation.

• One sheet of black construction paper
• One piece of chalk
• Star Stickers

Design and name your own constellation.  When you have finished, write a story about your constellation and return your complete project to Commander Center.

Second Stop:(Sun, Earth, and Moon rotation) Did you know you that you are actullay rotation right now in your classroom? 

    Click on the link below to find out how

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W47Wa7onrIQ

You are now ready to make your own model of the Sun, Earth, and Moon's rotation.  

1. With your Senior Astronaut come and get your supplies from Mission Control.

            Supplies             

Rotation Model

2 Brass Fasterners

Crayons

Sisscors

2. Color your rotation model

3. Cut out your rotation model

4. Use the brass fastners to make the Earth rotate around the Sun and the Moon rotate around the Earth.  Your Senior Astronaut will assist you.

The final step on your space journey is to journey to Earth's moon and discover why the moon seems to change shapes.

Click on the link below to learn all about moon phases.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhhSmpFtg7k

Your are now ready to create your own moon phases. Please get a NASA Blast Off Book (your science book)and turn to p.78-79, and follow the directions for completing the experiment.  

Please see misson control for your supplies.

CONGRATULATIONS!!  

You have served your first space mission. Please proceed to the Evaluation tab to discover what you have learned.

Before taking your Quiz, please click on the link below to study and review for your Quiz

You Senior Astronaut with be happy to assist you!!

https://quizlet.com/137607477/solar-system-2nd-grade-flash-cards/

BLAST OFF QUIZ TIME!!

BE SURE SOMEONE FROM MISSION CONTROL REVIEWS YOUR RESULTS BEFORE ENDING YOUR MISSION

Click on the link below to take your quiz online. When you have finished the quiz, be sure to raise your hand and wait for a teacher to record your results!

https://quizlet.com/137607477/test?prompt-with=1&limit=15&matching=on&mult_choice=on&selectedOnly=false&showImages=true&tf=on&written=0

It's now time for your Senior Astronaut to take you on your personal tour of our Solar System!!!

Please have your Senior Astronaut accompany you to NASA (our library) for a personal presentation on their Solar System Model!