Attention Getter: Let's Go to Space
*We typically teach this lesson following the Space: Sun, Earth, Moon and Stars lesson.
As children gather, quickly review the basic facts about the sun, earth, moon and stars that they learned about last time. Discuss the key components that the sun is made of fire and warms the earth. The earth is where we live and is made of air, water and dirt. The moon is made of dirt but does not have air and most stars are like the sun but are very far away.
Then, tell them that you need a volunteer who would like to get ready to GO TO SPACE! Using the "Space Kit" (pictured in the first picture below), get them ready. First, put on the AIR PACK (soda bottle with rope tied through it). Describe how they will need to bring their own air to the moon. Then put on the helmet (soda box covered with tinfoil and taped). Tell the class how the helmet will keep the air in so your astronaut can breathe. Third, give them a FLASHLIGHT because they are going to need light on their adventure. Finally, tie a ROPE around the child and then tie it to the teacher chair which is the pretend rocket ship. The children will be very surprise that you do this. Describe how the moon does not have "gravity." Show how gravity works by holding a few items in front of the class and asking them what will happen when you let them go. Bounce a balloon around the circle to show how movement would look like without gravity. If the astronaut doesn't tie a rope to the rocket ship, he/she just might float away! The class loves this part. Pull the astronaut back to earth and then thank him/her for all their help.
Activity 1: Name that Planet
Ask the children, "What else is in space besides the sun, earth, moon and stars?" Take their answers and lead in to the story and planet discussion.
Book: Me and My Place in Space
Read, Me and My Place in Space. This is a simple book that explains the planets and what they are made of. It also points out how some planets are hot and some are cold. As you place the planets on the display, reemphasize some of these main topics. (You may want to copy the pictures from the book to use for the display pictures).
When all the planets are on, show the children how the planets move around the sun by rotating the display.
Activity 2: Planet Trivia
Create a list of planet trivia questions to ask each child. Let each one come up, ask them a question and then let them answer. Some suggestions for questions are:
1. What is the biggest planet?
2. What is the smallest planet?
3. What is the only planet that has air and water and people?
4. Which planet has rings?
5. Which planet is the most windy?
6. What planet would be the hottest?
7. What planet would be the coldest?
8. What planet is called the red planet?
9. How many planets are there?
10. Is the sun a planet?
11. What are all the planets, sun, moon and stars called?
Bonus Section: Flying Rockets
Today we made flying rockets to use during centers. They were a complete hit and a great way for children to explore measurement, angles, height, distance and speed. Here is a quick video to show you how to make them.