After reading about the moon in our weekly story, we explored the surface of the moon using Google Moon
If you are not familiar with this program, it is an extension of Google Earth. ( Never used Google Earth? Download it now! It is FREE and it is A-MAZE-ING! It’s a constantly updated interactive map! There is also a Google Mars!)
We zoomed over the moon’s surface and found where the first moon landing took place. After viewing a few photos of the landing, we watched an actual video of the first moon steps!
Then, we used our new-found knowledge to compare and contrast the moon to our closest star, the sun.
We also learned about the planets and created a “step book” to display what we learned about each planet.
After learning general info about each planet, students chose one planet to research and completed a “Planet Report”.
Now, I had to balance out this nonfiction-heavy unit with some “fun” reads, so we also enjoyed
“Green Wilma- Frog in Space” by Tedd Arnold (affiliate link)
and “Arthur’s First Sleepover“
We used the alien encounter from this book as a launching point for some expository writings on introducing an alien. First, students pretended they met a creature from outer space and answered some interview questions about their alien. Then, they used the answers to create an expository writing, explaining about their alien. After some quick editing, students published their writings,”It Came From Outer Space”
We also read, “Handshake in Space” about the Apollo- Soyuz Test Project. (affiliate link)
We imagined what it would be like to be an astronaut and created these ADORABLE astronauts, complete with 3-d helmets and glitter suits!
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OMG this unit looks awesome! What grade do you teach? We also don't have space in our curriculum but I think it's a great way to do non fiction writing! Very high interest!
I love your blog! And I am off to follow you on TPT because I think this unit looks great.
http://www.secondgradealicious.blogspot.ca
I teach second grade! Glad you like the unit! I can't wait to finish it! SOOOO MUCH fun stuff jammed in there! 🙂
Leigh
How fun and cute!!! I love teaching space, too!!! I have some great ideas to share with you, too, once I get there!!! Just a lot to do these days! Ha!
Leslie
oooooo! I would love to see what the FABULOUS Leslie Hamlin has up her sleeve for Space! Keep me posted!
Leigh
Wow! It looks like you all had a great time with your learning. I'm sure your kids loved it! Thank you for sharing.
Owl About Us
Those are the CUTEST little spacemen! This sounds like a real fun unit! I'm going to be teaching about space very soon! I'm your newest follower!
Andrea
Bouncing through 3rd grade
OMG I love every activity you did!! Fabulous space unit Leigh!!!
✿Sue✿
✿Science for Kids Blog✿
OMG! I too am a second grade Florida teacher and also bummed that Space isn't in our science curriculum! LOVE the way that you tired it in with "The Moon"! CUTE!!
Christina 🙂
Apples, Books, and Crayons
applesbooksandcrayons@gmail.com
I just saw that you removed your comment… I am assuming it was because you found your answer? 🙂 If you have anymore questions, please feel free to email me lalangton1@gmail.com
Leigh
Love this theme and your bulletin board was adorable! Where did you get the astronaut helmets from?