Science & Mathematics - Journey into space 

This a series of lessons which may be used independently or in sequence. They share the common theme of space exploration. Students work with previous knowledge of science and mathematics to plan a space expedition. They discover the solar system, imagine other planets and the aliens that inhabit them, and design spaceships for their own travel. Throughout the lessons, students engage in geometric and mathematic operations and the project can also cover multiple other subjects, with children exploring different topics through different exercises. 

• Explore the nature of the solar system, its planets and their moons

• Understand the difference between orbiting and rotation

• Draw, measure, and combine plane figures to produce 3-D solid shapes

• Develop spatial perception and use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction, and movement

This unit has a creativity focus:

• Generate ideas for an alien, alien habitat, and spaceship

• Interpret, appraise, and improve designs, consider different perspectives, and reflect on the novelty of proposed solutions

Resources

Web and print

• Computer, books, hand-outs as possible research tools

Other

• Lesson period 1: Sidewalk chalks or masking tape (to mark the orbits of the planets) and balls of different sizes

• Lesson period 2: Clay or Play-Doh, textile, wire, sticks, branches, leaves, paper, duct tape, pebbles, glue gun, etc.

• Lesson period 3: String, tape, post-it notes, paper, and pencils

• Lesson period 4: A variety of re-cycled materials, cardboard, objects, different glues and tapes, strings, post-it notes, stationery

Opportunities to adapt, extend, and enrich

• The project could be extended into other domains by asking students to explore the history and science of space travel or to write stories/plays/music/news reports and/or draw/paint pictures about space travel and the solar system or featuring the aliens they have made. 

• Further ideas for activities around space can be found here.

English Version

•  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TLjWdDZeykcad9PU7uc6FMPiXAEL9xSOTWWR8XZM0SM/edit?usp=sharing

Hindi Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HREef6MpZE_OweypWfT1NEOQKKGdq7tOgwgvYGeHhiE/edit?usp=sharing

Gujarati Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/113iWkzE-KotF7Oo5eeekj0rH6mHVpRvvvx1_yhcjIuI/edit?usp=sharing

Kannada Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pWzIkxrEBf1tbu_e4k_PvK1hW_zpKQVlz32zsJ5Xar0/edit?usp=drive_link