Exploring Space & Creating an Edible Solar System Model!
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.
Stephanie Newton, BSc
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(110)
Star Educator
What's included
10 live meetings
7 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. 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.Assessment
I will assess learner understanding by monitoring nearpod activity slides during class. I will grade all projects that are turned in.Grading
All projects done will receive feedback and a grade. If you would like me to issue a cumulative grade, please let me know.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 activities, drawing slides, and fill-in-the-blank mini-quizzes. In addition to the virtual activities, every other week includes a hands-on activity (including an Edible Solar System!) - see syllabus below for specifics. I have a down-to-earth teaching style and I like to spark excitement about topics by tying the lesson to learners' lives or adding interesting facts and real-life scenarios. I truly do love science and learners pick up on my enthusiasm! I encourage learners to share anything they would like to in the classroom that is related to the lesson: a picture of a recent planetarium visit, a picture of a real-life star constellation (if they can capture it!), moon rocks, or anything else they can get their hands on! I once had a learner bring real-life, very large, DINOSAUR FOSSILS to class that her dad collects in an auction! Woah! You just never know what will show up at science show-and-tell :) *This exact class is also available in a 5-week flex/pre-recorded option. COURSE STRUCTURE: 1. Lessons, links, and assignments will be uploaded to the classroom each Monday morning by 9am (eastern time). 2. Optional projects will be assigned every other week in the Outschool Classroom and can be turned in within the classroom, or be sent to me in a private message. The following Sunday of each week is the due date for projects and assignments. 3. Most assignments consist of foldables, labs, educational tech-games, or other fun activities! 4. I will grade or give feedback for projects turned in. SYLLABUS: Week 1: *Topics - Sun and Solar System (overview) *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides Week 2: *Topics - Con't Sun and Solar System (overview) *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides *Project - Sunspot & Solar Eclipse Viewer Week 3: *Topics - Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides Week 4: *Topics - Inner Planets: Earth (Moon), Mars *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides *Project - Rocket Ship Foldable (about your favorite planet) Week 5: *Topics - Outer Planets: Jupiter, Saturn *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides Week 6: *Topics - Outer Planets: Uranus, Neptune *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides *Project - Edible Solar System Week 7: *Topics - Asteroids, Comets, Meteors *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides Week 8: *Topics - Stars, Black Holes, and Worm Holes *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides *Projects - Marshmallow Constellation Lab; Constellation Station Digital Activity Week 9: *Topics - Star Systems, Star Clusters *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides Week 10: *Topics - Galaxies, The Universe *Activities - Nearpod interactive slides *Project: Sidewalk Chalk Drawings Other middle school classes I have available: Semester 1 and 2 ongoing, live middle school science, and (coming in early 2024) pre-chemistry.
Learning Goals
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).
Syllabus
10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Sun and Solar System Part 1
Layers of the sun; temperature and movement of heat in the sun; structure of the solar system; overview of the planets 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Sun and Solar System Part 2
Layers of the sun; temperature and movement of heat in the sun; structure of the solar system; overview of the planets
LAB: Sunspot & Solar Eclipse Viewer 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus
Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus (temperatures, days of orbit around sun, other facts about each planet) 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Inner Planets: Earth (Moon), Mars
Inner Planets: Earth (Moon), Mars (temperatures, days of orbit around sun, other facts about each planet)
LAB: Rocket Ship Foldable (about your favorite planet) - pdf provided 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Lecture/discussion is broken up with Nearpod Interactive Slides to keep learners engaged. Homework is optional. Flexible Deadlines.
Parental Guidance
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.
Supply List
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)
Joined June, 2020
4.8
110reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from The Florida State University
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 :)Reviews
Live Group Course
$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
