Green Room: The Universe

Week 1 in the Green Room will be focused on the wonders of astronomy and one of history’s greatest scientists: Galileo Galilei.

Week 1 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Become familiar with the word astronomy and its definition.
2. Be starting to become familiar with other words and ideas associated with astronomy such as the solar system, the planets, the universe, galaxies, etc.
3. Become familiar with the life of Galileo Galilei and his accomplishments (i.e. the telescope, Jupiter’s moons, etc.)

Week 2 in the Green Room will focus on introducing students to the Earth, Moon and Sun.

Week 2 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Know that we live on planet Earth, that we have a moon and Earth’s distance from the Sun (i.e. “3^rd rock from the Sun.”).
2. Know the approximate size of Earth in comparison to the other planets and what causes “day” and “night.”
3. Be challenged to think about why the Sun is important to our existence as human beings.
4.  Be familiar with the phases of the moon and how to track them.

Week 3 in the Green Room will be focused on the geology of the solar system. Students will learn about the geological make-up of several of the planets in our solar system and have an opportunity to compare what they discover to the geological properties of the Earth.

Week 3 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with the number of and names of the planets in our solar system including dwarf planets.
2. Discuss the science of Geology and how the geology of each  planet is different.
3.  Be familiar with the geological properties of at least 2 planets.

The last week of the month will be focused on space exploration. Your students will be transformed into astronauts for the week allowing them to experience space through the windows of a space shuttle or the lens of a telescope! By the end of the week students will know just how society has learned so much about the universe.

Week 4 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with the purpose of space exploration and the types of  vehicles and equipment used.
2. Have experienced what life would be like as an astronaut.
3. Be familiar with at least 2 NASA missions (i.e. the moon landing, Mars pathfinder, International Space Station, etc.), including the importance of them and their outcomes.

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!

Physical Science:

Students know objects can be described in terms of the materials they  are made of and their physical properties (i.e. color, shape, weight, texture, flexibility, etc.)

Students know that solids, liquids and gases have different properties

Investigation and Experimentation:

 Describe the relative position of objects by using one reference (i.e. above or below, next to)

Measurement and Geometry:

Compare the length, weight and capacity of objects by making direct comparisons with reference objects (i.e. note which object is shorter, longer, taller, lighter, heavier, or holds more)

Numbers and Shapes: 

The learning of numbers and shapes is worked into each and every lesson that students participate in in the Green Room. Teachers plan“Number and Shape Opportunities” so that students have ample time to practice number and shape recognition, number writing and shape drawing throughout the month.