Teaching the solar system is an important way for students investigate and understand the ways in which the world works. It is important for students to learn about and understand the solar system because they need to be aware of the idea that Earth is not the only planet in the universe. It is also essential for students to recognize the way in which the Solar System works and the order in which the planets are placed in relation to each other, the sun, and the moon. This unit is an inquiry-based science program that has the flexibility to adapt to students interest in the topic area of space and the solar system. The benefits of the unit will come in the students knowing the planets. The students will gain knowledge about our solar system and how it is, and how it works.
This unit prepares our students for when they reach the upper grades and dive more into the topic of space and the solar system. Once the week is up the students will better understand, the order of the planets, useful information on all the planets, stars and constellations, and the phases of the moon. Students at all ability and skill levels will be able to actively participate and learn during this unit. By tapping into multiple intelligences and using varied teaching strategies, all of the students will have an opportunity to learn in their own way. The small group arrangement will also help some of our ESOL students communicate and understand the lessons better. Students of different cultures may have different stories to tell re: the constellations. Oral history would be a valuable addition to this unit. Group presentations and student lead teaching will benefit the whole class. Hands-on, visual representations and multimedia presentations will all contribute to a rich and diverse learning environment.
This unit prepares our students for when they reach the upper grades and dive more into the topic of space and the solar system. Once the week is up the students will better understand, the order of the planets, useful information on all the planets, stars and constellations, and the phases of the moon. Students at all ability and skill levels will be able to actively participate and learn during this unit. By tapping into multiple intelligences and using varied teaching strategies, all of the students will have an opportunity to learn in their own way. The small group arrangement will also help some of our ESOL students communicate and understand the lessons better. Students of different cultures may have different stories to tell re: the constellations. Oral history would be a valuable addition to this unit. Group presentations and student lead teaching will benefit the whole class. Hands-on, visual representations and multimedia presentations will all contribute to a rich and diverse learning environment.