Red Room: Planetarium

Week 1: Planetarium Introduction & Creating the Earth

This month students will be transforming the Red Room into a planetarium! Students will have an opportunity to create three-dimensional versions of the Sun, Earth and planets! Weeks 1-3 will be spent building the Planetarium, and during Week 4 students will have the opportunity to gaze at all of the celestial wonders they have created!

Week 1 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Understand what a planetarium is and what its’   purpose is.
2. Start becoming familiar with composer John Williams and his work.
3. Have participated in the creation of Earth, the first component of the Red Room Planetarium!

Week 2:  Creating the Sun & the Solar System

Week 2 in the Red Room will follow a similar format to that of Week 1. Week 2 will be focused on building more of the Red Room Planetarium: the Sun and the Solar System!

Week 2 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Revisit the idea of a planetarium and review the aspects of the Red Room Planetarium already created (i.e. the Earth).
2. Be starting to become more familiar with John Williams and his work.
3. Have participated in the creation of the Sun and the remaining planets in our solar system for the Red Room Planetarium!

Week 3: Creating the Universe, Distant Galaxies & Constellations

Week 3 in the Red Room will follow a similar format to that of Weeks 1 and 2. Week 3 will be focused on building more of the Red Room Planetarium: the Universe, Distant Galaxies and Constellations!

Week 3 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Revisit the idea of a planetarium and review the aspects of the Red Room Planetarium already created (i.e. the Earth, Sun and planets).
2.  Be familiar with the Hubble Telescope (i.e. what it looks like and how it operates) and the types of images it captures.
3. Have participated in the creation of the Universe, distant galaxies and constellations for the Red Room Planetarium!

Week 4: The View of an Earthling

The Red Room Planetarium is finally complete! Now students will have the opportunity to view the celestial wonders of the Universe they have created!

Week 4 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with all components of the Red Room Planetarium and be able to correctly identify them if asked.
2. Create a telescope to view the wonders of the  Planetarium.
3. Discuss an Earthling’s view of the Universe and how a Martian’s view (or the view from another planet) of the Universe would be different.

The following learning goals will also be addressed in lessons throughout the month. These learning goals are designed to introduce students to Kindergarten and First-Grade-Level -Concepts in developmentally and age appropriate ways. Practice some or all of these concepts at home throughout the month to further your child’s comprehension of the concept!

Music:

 Create accompaniments, using the voice or a variety of classroom instruments.

Create movements that correspond to specific music

Visual Arts:

Identify the elements of art (line, color, shape, form, texture, value, space) in the environment and in works of art, emphasizing line, color and shape.

Use texture in two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art.

Demonstrate the beginning skill in the use of tools and processes, such as the use of scissors, glue and paper in creating  three-dimensional construction. 

Art of the Month: Pictures from the Hubble Telescope

Composer of the Month: John Williams (“Star Wars” and “E.T.” Soundtracks)

Color:

Recognition & Primary vs. Secondary- Participating in learning opportunities for colors is an essential component of working in the Red Room. Students will be practicing their color recognition skills on a daily basis and have the opportunity to blend colors several times a month.