Animals in Space
What pets have become astronauts? Is there a constellation of your favorite animal? Could there be alien animals out there? Learn about animals and their relationship with space in this blend of history and science. 4 lessons, self-paced.
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(3,161)
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 10
This course explores a spectrum of animal-related space facts - from the history of space travel, to the constellations, to the possibility of animal aliens somewhere in the universe. As a result, the course covers a myriad of interests - stories about animals, constellation mythology, space station science, and a discussion of what aliens might be like, all in one class! Each lesson consists of a recorded presentation, followed by a few extension activities to choose from. These extension activities include designing new constellations and their accompanying mythologies, discussing the ethics of sending animals to space, and imagining space habitats and experiments for impossibly large animal astronauts (giraffe space suit, anyone?). PLEASE NOTE: The first part of this class is identical to another class of mine, titled "Constellation Exploration." So, I don't recommend you take both courses. If you've already taken Constellation Exploration, please contact me about getting a discount for this class! This class is a self-paced course; there is no live component. Four lessons are provided upfront, you can choose to move through the content as fast or as slow as your schedule dictates. Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my flex courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund.
Learning Goals
By the end of the class, students should be able to:
♦ Know how to use a star wheel to locate constellations in the night sky.
♦ Recall some stories of animals from the constellation mythologies of several different cultures.
♦ Provide a basic outline of early space exploration for the United States and Russia (with a focus on animal explorers, of course!)
♦ Understand the motives behind sending animals into space during the Space Race.
♦ Explain the role of animals on the International Space Station.
♦ Compare and contrast the current animals in space (and their purpose) with the animals put into space in the 60s and 70s.
♦ Recall some of the discoveries made by studying the behavior of animals in space.
♦ Understand the ethical considerations when using animals for research in space.
♦ List the three "ingredients" required for life.
♦ Speculate on where we might find alien animals in our solar system and beyond.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Animal Constellations
Learn how to use a star wheel to identify constellations in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. (Parents of young children who cannot read the months of the year might need guidance with this part.) Explore the animal constellations and learn the fascinating stories behind the creatures that populate the heavens. Total recording length (split into 5 recordings): 88 minutes Lesson 2:
The History of Animals in Space
What animal was the first in space? The first around the moon? Learn about the history of space travel through the original animal astronauts, including monkeys, dogs, cats, and even tortoises! Recording length: 49 minutes Lesson 3:
Animal Astronauts in the Present Day
Scientists and astronauts are learning some amazing things about biology and space travel, with the help of ton of different animals, from frogs to spiders. This week we'll explore what it's like to live in space, whether you're a mouse, or a human. Recording length: 63 minutes Lesson 4:
Future Animal Astronauts
How might we use animals to explore space in the future? Could there be alien animals out there on other planets? We'll explore these questions in our last week together. Recording Length: 45 minutes Other Details
Parental Guidance
The history of animals in space does involve some animal deaths, which more sensitive children might find disturbing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3161reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
💰 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 💰
I offer a "pay what you can afford" discount for all flex classes. After you enroll, send me a message from the section you signed up for. I can then apply a partial refund to match the amount you need; it can be any amount!
🎓 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🎓
From 2005 to 2021 I was a highly certified teacher in Arizona, in Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. (I allowed my teaching license to lapse after becoming employed by the University of Arizona.) I have a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science Education. I have four children ranging from 9 to 14 years of age. Besides teaching on Outschool, I am an advisor and educational outreach coordinator at the University of Arizona, and I also run my own small business giving astronomy shows in an inflatable planetarium for libraries and schools. In my spare time, I like to hike with my family, go on road trips, and volunteer with the Crisis Text Line (an organization that helps at-risk teens and young adults work through difficult situations).
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Most of my classes come with projects or extension activities your child can do at home. Because every family situation is different, all of these activities and assignments are optional and at the discretion of the parent.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$14
weekly or $56 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 109 learners
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Ages: 5-18
