Space Unit Lessons 1-3 + Play Table and Self Care



Self-Care for Educators
We recognize that everyone’s cup gets refilled in many different ways. This section of our 
curriculum is intended to be a reminder that what you do is important 
and the vessel from which you do it requires care.

Before blasting off into this unit, read the article about how astronauts take care of themselves during a space mission. Feel free to share it with your children as well as an introduction to this unit!

How Do Astronauts Practice Self-Care in Space

This article shows how astronauts take care of themselves in space. It was interesting to know that part of their training was even assessed on how well they take care of themselves so they can be the best teammate possible in space! Wouldn’t it be great if every job considered self-care to be this important.

Take this opportunity to notice how your basic needs are being met by your current systems and routines. Are you getting the food groups you need? Are you getting enough sleep? What kind of exercise do you enjoy, and are you able to make time to do it regularly? Choose one of these areas your basic physical needs this week to focus on. Check in every day to see if that need is being met by your current routines or if it requires tweaking to best serve you.


Write the area you plan to focus on here:
Now write 3 ways you plan to get this need met this week: 
  1. _______________________________________________________
  2. _______________________________________________________
  3. _______________________________________________________
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Lesson 1: Introduction/Character Building Curriculum: Value of Curiosity
  • Read: Me and My Place in Space by Joan Sweeney
This story will serve as the introduction to the Space Unit. It includes all the planets, concepts about how much “space” is in Space and more.
  • Watch the Mars Rover “Curiosity” video on the NASA website.
NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover Takes a Selfie Before Record Climb

Post video Discussion: Why do you think they named the Rover “Curiosity”? Do you think that is a good name for it? Why or why not? I am wondering what you are curious about when it comes to learning about space? Let’s take our own selfie and write down what you want to know so we can come back to it as we learn.
  • After watching the video and discussing it, have your child take their own selfie.
  • Ask your child to tell you 3-5 things they are curious to learn about space and write it under their selfie. 
  • Post it somewhere visible in your home. (You can also take your own selfie and write what you want to learn about space too!) 
  • Come back to these curiosities throughout the unit to see if they have been answered or if you need to dig deeper.
The why: Making the connection to the Rover’s selfie makes children feel like a
part of something bigger. Making their curiosities visible makes them feel like their
thoughts and ideas are important. Going back and answering those questions tells them
that finding out what they want to know is not only possible but a fun and necessary part
of the learning process.

Pro Tip: You can do this before every unit! Asking your children what they specifically
want to know about a subject is a great way to kick off learning, and keeping the visual up
for everyone to see keeps you all on track.
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Play Table #1: Space Vocabulary Words and Loose Parts 

When to introduce: This play table can be available either before Lesson 1 to peek your child’s interest about a new topic or immediately after Lesson 1 as a way to get them more hands on with the material. Follow your child’s cues and choose which approach would be most interesting to them.

To Prep: “Hide” the vocabulary words under some space loose parts.

Supplies:
-Printable Space Vocabulary Words from "Space Printables" Post
-Loose Parts Suggestions
-Black construction paper
-Multi-colored glass gems
-Star beads or star sequins
-Metal objects (mason jar twist on lids, small mirrors,

Directions for Children 
  • Ask your child to see how many of the words they can “find” and write down the words on a piece of paper. 
  • Make sure to have Me and My Place in Space close by for your child to reference when seeing the vocabulary words for the first time. 
The Why: Introducing words in this way allows your child to explore and discover independently and at their own pace. It also allows them to move freely rather than sitting still and listening to an adult read word after word to them.

Discussion points during play: What letter does that word start with? What sound does that letter make? Do you think you found all the names of the planets? Maybe you can use our story to help make sure you got them all.

Pro Tip: Always focus on initial letter sounds when introducing new words. (Definition: Initial letters are the first letter of a word.) Do not expect your child to remember the full word immediately. Remember this is about exposure and play and should be kept fun and light.

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Lesson 2: Planet Matching Game

Option #1:
  • Print out 2 sets of planet flashcards from the "Space Printables" post. 
  • Place them face down and flip over 2 at a time until you have found all the matches.
Option #2:
  • Print 1 set of completed planet flashcards and one set of blank cards.
  • Have your child color their own planets and write their corresponding names using the printed set as a guide.
  • Place both sets of flashcards face down and flip over 2 at a time until you have found all the matches.  
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Lesson 3: Stargazing

Supplies (optional)
-Telescope or binoculars
-Phone with StarView Lite App installed

To prep: Take a look at the weather to make sure you are dressed accordingly and there are not too many clouds in the sky.

Directions:
  • Head out into your backyard or a safe and dark location near you to take a look at the stars.
  • Bring along some warm drinks and drink in the view OR install the StarView Lite App on your phone. Simply point your phone up at the sky and it will show you what stars, planets, and satellites are above you. 
  • Go stargazing a few times throughout the unit to see how or if the sky changes night to night.
  • Optional: Make note of which constellations you hope to see beforehand and make a checklist. See how many you can check off your list while stargazing. 
  • Check out this year round Northern Hemisphere Stargazing guide to see what is most likely to be visible at the time you are working on this unit. >>> Yearlong Stargazing Calendar
Discussion Guide: How does it make you feel when you look up at the sky? Did you know that the stars are there all the time, not just at night. Why do you think we can’t see them during the day?
Do you think people in other parts of the world can see the same stars that we see? Why or why not?

The Why: The more real we can make a concept to young children the more they will understand. It also feels beneficial to connect to natural cycles that happen in our world in this age of business and hustle. Taking time to connect with nature is a grounding and stress-reducing experience for all.

Comments

  1. Hello Everyone!

    I hope this finds you well. Please enjoy and share this curriculum if you feel called to do so! <3

    ReplyDelete

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