Title: Exploring the Universe – A Fun Astronomy Curriculum for WI Schools

(Grades 3-5)

Introduction: Welcome to "Exploring the Universe," a free astronomy curriculum designed for Wisconsin students in grades 3-5! This interactive curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) while incorporating local connections to make learning engaging and meaningful. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and fun facts, students will explore the wonders of space from their own backyard.

Unit 1: The Night Sky

Essential Questions:

• What objects can we see in the night sky?

• Why do stars and planets appear to move?

Key Concepts:

• Stars, planets, moons, and constellations

• Earth's rotation and how it affects what we see

• The importance of dark skies

Activities:

• Wisconsin Stargazing Journal: Students keep a log of night sky observations over a week.

• Make Your Own Constellation: Using marshmallows and toothpicks, students create and name their own constellations.

• Planetarium Visit (Virtual or Local): Explore the night sky at a local Wisconsin planetarium or use online simulations like Stellarium. We recommend: Wausau West Planetarium

Unit 2: Our Solar System

Essential Questions:

• What makes up our solar system?

• How do planets orbit the Sun?

Key Concepts:

• The Sun, planets, and their orbits

• Moons and space debris (asteroids, comets, meteors)

• Wisconsin’s connection to space science (NASA astronaut Deke Slayton from Sparta, WI)

Activities:

• Scale Model of the Solar System: Use a playground or a long hallway to space out planets at proportional distances.

• Oreo Moon Phases: Students use cookies to illustrate the lunar cycle.

• Create a Travel Brochure for a Planet: Students design an advertisement encouraging space tourists to visit a chosen planet.

Unit 3: The Sun and the Moon

Essential Questions:

• How does the Sun affect life on Earth?

• What causes the Moon's phases and eclipses?

Key Concepts:

• The Sun’s role as the center of the solar system

• How the Moon’s orbit affects tides and eclipses

• Day and night cycle

Activities:

• Shadow Tracking: Students trace their shadows throughout the day to observe how the Sun’s position changes.

• Lunar Phases with Flashlights: Use a ball and a flashlight to demonstrate why the Moon looks different each night.

• Solar Energy Experiment: Create a simple solar oven with a pizza box to cook s’mores!

Unit 4: Space Exploration and Beyond

Essential Questions:

• How do we explore space?

• What challenges do astronauts face?

Key Concepts:

• Telescopes and space probes

• Astronaut life and space travel

• The International Space Station (ISS)

Activities:

• DIY Straw Rockets: Students create and test mini rockets using paper and straws.

• Astronaut Training Challenge: Balance and coordination exercises mimic real astronaut training.

• Design a Space Colony: Students work in teams to plan a settlement on the Moon or Mars.

Final Project: My Place in Space

Students create a personal project showcasing what they’ve learned. Options include:

• A 3D model of the solar system

• A “news report” on an astronomical discovery

• A creative story about traveling through space

Wisconsin Connection: Students research a local astronomer, NASA connection, or dark sky park in Wisconsin to tie their learning to their home state.

Wisconsin Science Standards Alignment

Wisconsin Science Standard Corresponding Unit (Not an all-inclusive list)

SCI.PS2.A.3: Motion and Stability Unit 1: The Night Sky

SCI.ESS1.A.3: The Universe and Its Stars Unit 1: The Night Sky

SCI.ESS1.B.3: Earth and the Solar System Unit 2: Our Solar System

SCI.ESS1.B.4: Orbital Motion Unit 2: Our Solar System

SCI.ESS1.C.3: The Role of the Sun and Moon Unit 3: The Sun and the Moon

SCI.ETS1.A.3: Engineering Design Unit 4: Space Exploration and Beyond

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Conclusion: By the end of this curriculum, students will have a strong understanding of astronomy concepts while developing critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of wonder about the universe.

Let’s start exploring the stars!

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Teacher Guide and Answer Key

Unit 1: The Night Sky

1. What objects can we see in the night sky? Stars, planets, the Moon, constellations, satellites, meteors, and sometimes comets.

2. Why do stars and planets appear to move? Because of Earth’s rotation on its axis.

3. Why is dark sky preservation important? Too much artificial light can prevent us from seeing stars and disrupt wildlife.

Discussion Questions

• How can we tell the difference between a star and a planet in the night sky?

• What are some myths or legends about constellations?

Unit 2: Our Solar System

1. What makes up our solar system? The Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors.

2. Why do planets orbit the Sun? Because of the Sun’s gravitational pull.

3. What is unique about Wisconsin’s connection to space science? Astronaut Deke Slayton, from Sparta, WI, was one of NASA’s original Mercury 7 astronauts.

Discussion Questions

• Why do the inner planets differ from the outer planets?

• How do scientists classify a celestial object as a planet, moon, or asteroid?

Unit 3: The Sun and the Moon

1. What causes day and night? Earth’s rotation.

2. Why does the Moon change shape? The Moon’s phases are caused by its orbit around Earth and the way sunlight reflects off its surface.

3. What causes solar and lunar eclipses? A solar eclipse happens when the Moon blocks the Sun; a lunar eclipse happens when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

Discussion Questions

• How would our lives be different if we had no Moon?

• What role does the Sun play in supporting life on Earth?

Unit 4: Space Exploration and Beyond

1. What tools do scientists use to explore space? Telescopes, space probes, satellites, and rockets.

2. What are some challenges astronauts face in space? Lack of gravity, radiation exposure, and the need for oxygen and food supplies.

3. What is the International Space Station (ISS)? A space laboratory where astronauts live and conduct experiments.

Discussion Questions

• If you could design a mission to explore space, where would you go and why?

• How do astronauts prepare for space travel?

Final Project Support Questions

• If you were a space traveler, what would you bring with you and why?

• How does what we learn about space help us on Earth?

This answer key and discussion guide is meant to support teachers in guiding students through engaging discussions while reinforcing key concepts from the curriculum. Happy exploring!

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