Exploring Space & Creating an Edible Solar System Model!
Stephanie Newton, BSc
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(83)
In this "out-of-this-world" 10-week middle school science class we will explore space science concepts such as: sun, solar system, constellations, meteors/comets. Featuring an Edible Solar System! 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade welcome.
Class experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
Come explore space science with lecture/discussion, Nearpod interactive slides, and hands-on labs and activities! This course will cover many topics which are aligned with NGSS (science standards) for middle school: the sun, our solar system, stars, star constellations, meteors, comets, galaxies and the universe. Nearpod includes teaching slides alternating with: collaboration boards, matching challenges, virtual field trips, Time to Climb game/contest, video clips, drag-and-drop...
10 lessons//10 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Sun and Solar System Part 1Layers of the sun; temperature and movement of heat in the sun; structure of the solar system; overview of the planetsWeek 2Lesson 2Sun and Solar System Part 2Layers of the sun; temperature and movement of heat in the sun; structure of the solar system; overview of the planets LAB: Sunspot & Solar Eclipse ViewerWeek 3Lesson 3Inner Planets: Mercury, VenusInner Planets: Mercury, Venus (temperatures, days of orbit around sun, other facts about each planet)Week 4Lesson 4Inner Planets: Earth (Moon), MarsInner Planets: Earth (Moon), Mars (temperatures, days of orbit around sun, other facts about each planet) LAB: Rocket Ship Foldable (about your favorite planet) - pdf providedWeek 5Lesson 5Outer Planets: Jupiter, SaturnOuter Planets: Jupiter, Saturn (temperatures, days of orbit around sun, other facts about each planet)Week 6Lesson 6Outer Planets: Uranus, NeptuneOuter Planets: Uranus, Neptune (temperatures, days of orbit around sun, other facts about each planet) LAB: Edible Solar SystemWeek 7Lesson 7Asteroids, Comets, MeteorsAsteroids, Comets, Meteors (Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids)Week 8Lesson 8Stars, Black Holes, and Worm HolesStars (types; specific stars near us), Black Holes, and Worm Holes LAB: Marshmallow Constellation Lab; Constellation Station Digital ActivityWeek 9Lesson 9Star Systems, Star ClustersStar Systems, Star Clusters (organization of star groups)Week 10Lesson 10Galaxies, The UniverseGalaxies, The Universe (including Milky Way, Andromeda, and the first telescopes and discoveries)
Learners will understand the similarities and differences between our planet and other planets in the solar system. We will learn 12 well-known star constellations, and discover the vast universe (including galaxies, comets, black holes, worm holes, etc).
I have a BS degree in Nutrition and Food Science (pre-med track) from Florida State University. I later became a certified middle school science teacher and taught middle school science in the Florida public school system for 5 years. I have been an online teacher for Outschool and other platforms for since 2018. I'm also the mom of a homeschool graduate and current high schooler :)
Homework Offered
Learners will have an optional hands-on project assigned every other week (see course syllabus in description). Projects are optional and it should be decided by the parent if the learner will be required to do them. I will grade any work that is turned in.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
I will assess learner understanding by monitoring nearpod activity slides during class. I will grade all projects that are turned in.Grades Offered
All projects done will receive feedback and a grade. If you would like me to issue a cumulative grade, please let me know.
Lecture/discussion is broken up with Nearpod Interactive Slides to keep learners engaged. Homework is optional. Flexible Deadlines.
Week 1: none Week 2- Sunspot & Solar Eclipse Viewer: Cardboard box (any size) White copy paper Aluminum foil (2 in x 2 in) Tape (packing tape or duct tape if you have it) Scissors Push pin or needle Week 3: none Week 4 - Rocket Ship Foldable: Rocketship pdf (will be provided in week 2) Colored pencils Scissors Week 5: none Week 6 - Edible Solar System: sheet pan, black construction paper or cardstock, 10 Oreos, edible marker food coloring pens (or just food coloring), 2 large marshmallows, mini M&M’s or other similar-sized candies Week 7: none Week 8 - Marshmallow Constellation Lab 15 mini-marshmallows, 10+ toothpicks Week 9: none Week 10 - Sidewalk Chalk Galaxy Sidewalk chalk (any color)
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
For learners under age 13, parental consent and guidance is required for some of the resources used in this class (ck12.org, smithsonianmagazine.com, and nearpod.com). All resources used in this class will be embedded in the nearpod slide deck. In addition, youtube links will be embedded in the class posts within the Outschool classroom. Direct nearpod links to the lessons will be given in the classroom. Learners are not required to make an account for any external resources. Parental guidance is suggested with the use of scissors and food coloring.
CK12.org, Youtube clips, wikipedia, Nearpod, ABCya.com, Smithsonian Magazine
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(83)
Hello, welcome to my "classroom" :). My classes are listed below, but first...a little about me! I am a certified middle school science teacher and taught for 5 years in the public school classroom. My educational background is in...
Group Class
$16
weekly or $160 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
45 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-8 learners per class
