Space
Space seems vast and nearly unfathomable. Scientists who study space, from astronomers and astrophysicists to planetologists and cosmologists, use complex mathematical equations and elaborate machinery to learn about what lies beyond our planet. Nevertheless, space is a topic that can be taught to even the youngest learners, and this boundless unknown can capture their imaginations.
The Science4Us Space unit is divided into two modules:
Exploring the Universe begins with elements of space that we can see, like the sun and stars. In interactive online activities, students learn about the sun and stars and the Milky Way. Students learn to distinguish stars in the night sky from planets, airplanes or the International Space Station.
The Earth in Space module helps students understand Earth’s place in space by thinking about cycles and patterns. As students learn about and reproduce the cycles of the moon and the seasons, they broaden their understanding of the Earth’s rotation and the moon’s orbit around the Earth. Reinforcing these concepts as well as student’s math skills, students perform a number of pattern-building activities In offline learning activities, students do some kinesthetic learning by performing a spinning and orbiting dance.
Each module begins at a point that is accessible to K-2 learners and builds their knowledge in this complex subject through play and inquiry, listening and responding, writing and experimenting.
Animation, movement, and photographs, writing exercises and math connections, help K-2 students start where they are and build their knowledge of space.
