Come take a ride with us as we ROCKET back to the past to share our learning with you. Houston, we are ready for lift-off in 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...BLAST OFF!!
Our first activity was to use different-sized sports balls to demonstrate the number of planets in our solar system and their relative sizes. Can you recognize which ball is actually a star, the largest in our solar system but only medium-sized?
Then, we bundled up and went outside to make a human solar system. We acted out the difference between "rotation" and "revolution." Then we role-played and took turns becoming all 8 planets orbiting the sun. Here we are revolving AND rotating around our sun...Levy is just a ball of sunshine ;)
During our next lesson, we used a mnemonic device to remember the order of the planets from the sun. We had fun using a velcro solar system to place the planets in their correct orbits. We even solved planet riddles! You try- Which planet is the fourth planet from the sun and nicknamed "The Red Planet?"
The following week, we focused on the phases of the moon. To do this, we turned to a favorite snack in Class 2H...the OREO! It was "sweet" molding our Oreo cream to resemble the different phases of the moon. We also discussed the terms "waxing" and "waning." Remember- the earth revolves around the sun, and the moon revolves around the earth. Check out our Oreo creations below!
After the holiday break, we continued our planetary studies, but our focus shifted to the constellations. Not only did we use star stickers and chalk to create our favorite constellations from trading cards, but we were also lucky enough to participate in the Star Lab. We converted our very own Seaman gym into a stellar night sky. In our star lab, our space expert, Ms. Lynn, taught us all about stars, constellations, and Greek myths. We learned so many cool facts. We even learned how to find constellations in our night sky here on Long Island. First face south, then look for Orion's belt. That's the key to a successful stargazing session! Check out some pics below!
Finally, we came to the end of our astronomy unit this week. In celebration, we followed "How To" directions in order to make galaxy play-dough! By using black food coloring and purple glitter, we created a unique play-dough experience. You can even add marbles or plastic glow-in-the-dark stars to really bring your space scene to life! Good fun for everyone!
Thanks for blasting to the past with us on our space journey! We are now re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Hope you enjoyed the ride :) We look forward to continuing our scientific studies next week. Stay tuned as our meteorologists become weather experts. Hopefully, the spring weather is just around the corner.
Thanks for visiting!! Hope to see you again soon!!
