Michael Hans Gottlieb, Roswell Independent, Roswell, NM
ASTRONOMY
Appropriate for grades 5-6.
OVERVIEW: People have always been interested in space and the
fascinating and mysterious factors that surround it. Our society
and our everchanging modern technological world are proving just
how important our solar system is to our future.
Scientists are trying to find out what lies beyond the solar
system. They are also interested in finding out how far space
extends. With astronomy, there are so many areas to consider and
so much of our universe to study.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this science classroom activity package
is to provide space and solar system activities for fifth and/or
sixth grade students to aid in their awareness of space education.
Students will learn the importance of our advancement in space
technology and space education. The activities will demonstrate
the science concepts in a more inviting and motivational manner.
OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:
1. Define astronomy as the science that involves space and all
the bodies in it.
2. Identify the unit used to measure distances in space.
3. Infer that distances in the solar system are great and name
the major use of the telescope.
4. Name three types of galaxies.
5. Identify the galaxy in which the solar system is located.
6. Distinguish the shapes of the three basic kinds of galaxies
on a diagram.
7. Identify five common constellations, or star patterns.
ACTIVITIES:
1. Have the students use a dictionary to find as many words as
possible that begin with "astro." Help them interpret what
the words mean.
2. Have the students measure the perimeter of the classroom in
millimeters. Point out that using millimeters to measure the
size of a room is somewhat like using kilometers to measure
distances in space. (Both are too small to be useful)
3. Small groups of students can prepare models of the three
kinds of galaxies. They may use Styrofoam pellets or tiny
pieces of cotton glued to black poster board.
4. Draw a random arrangement of eight to ten dots on the
chalkboard. Have the students imagine that these are stars
in the sky and that they form some sort of picture. Call on
a student to connect the dots with lines, thereby showing the
object he/she is imagining. Have the students create a story
about their imaginary objects.
5. While the stars seem to move in the sky, we don't see them
move. They seem to move because the earth moves. This
movement can be shown using a black umbrella and a star
chart. Students may use chalk to draw a few familiar
constellations on the underside of the opened umbrella. Be
sure they draw the North Star at the point where the
handle connects with the ribs of the umbrella. Slowly turn
the handle of the umbrella counter-clockwise. This shows how
the stars seem to move in the sky as the earth turns.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: All listed above.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: In the scientific world, there is so much
to learn and so much to explore. Hopefully after students
complete this activity packet, their interest level will soar and
their creative minds will be directed toward innovative approaches
in science. Our future depends on the children of today and
tomorrow.
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org