Little Astronauts Explore the Solar System
In this 10-week class, students will learn about the solar system through experiments and art.
Sophia Burak
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(262)
What's included
10 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Calling all astronauts and get ready to blast off! In this 10-week class learners will explore the solar system (the sun, 8 planets, asteroids and comets). During each week will cover a different aspect of the solar system. This will include coloring the planet, the sun, etc and gluing it to a piece of paper that over time will become a scale poster of the solar system. While they are coloring students will learn about different features of the solar system. After adding their art to the poster learners will engage in a hands-on experiment. The experiments will relate to both space as well as wider science concepts such as reactions releasing heat, pressure, and density. Students are welcome to change their background each week to fit the theme and make things a little more immersive. Classes will involve powerpoint and discussions. Students are encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas. All classes will have a hands-on component. Most supplies are things you will have around the house. Week 3 may require some special purchases. Week 1: The Sun Experiment - Elephant Toothpaste Week 2: Mercury Experiment - Making Craters Week 3: Venus Experiment - The Green House Effect Week 4: Earth Experiment- Model Tectonic Plates Week 5: Mars Experiment-Designing in Space Week 6: Jupiter Experiment - Swirling Storms and Moving Gas Week 7: Saturn Experiment - Exploring Density Week 8: Uranus Experiment - Make an Orbiter Week 9: Neptune Experiment - Experiments with pressure Week 10: Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets Experiment - Ice Cube Art
Learning Goals
Students will learn about the 8 planets, the sun and other objects in the solar system. Students will explore concepts such as gravity and the relationship between distance and time.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some weeks will use materials that involve some risk. Supervision is advised.
Hazourdous Materials:
During Week 1 Hydrogen peroxide (3%) will be used and during Week 7 rubbing alcohol will be used. Both substances are toxic if injested. As both substances resemble water please do not provide any drinking water during these classes as a precaution.
Hot Materials:
Please be advised that during Week 3 a hot light bulb will be used and care should be taken to ensure your child does not touch the bulb. Our class on Week 9 uses boiling water and your child will need your assistance to ensure the experiment is carried out safely.
Supply List
Week 1: -half a cup of hydrogen peroxide in a cup -a big squirt of dish soap -a spoon -food coloring -1 tablespoon of yeast -a small bowl with three tablespoons of very warm water -a tray to contain spills Week 2: Mercury -1 pan about 8 to 12 inches long and about four inches deep -newspaper, a sheet or some other way to cover the floor to reduce clean-up -1 or 2 small bottles of coloured sugar -1/2 cup to 1 cup of cocoa powder -flour sifter or small fine-mesh strainer -a handful of small rocks ir marbles Week 3: Venus -2 jam jars with lids/two pieces of aluminum foil -a lamp with a regular bulb (not an energy efficient one but the kinds that gets hot) -2 cm vinegar in each jar -a thermometer in each jar -half a teaspoon of baking soda Week 4: Earth -peanut butter or jam or even a little of both -plate -four grahm crackers broken in half -spoon -an orange, peeled with the peel put back in place Week 5: Mars -20 sticks of uncooked thick spaghetti -masking tape -1 large marshmallow Week 6: Jupiter -a mason jar with hot water -a mason jar with cold water -a mason jar with regular water -a tea bag cut open, contents still inside -red and blue food coloring -1 or 2 straw Week 7: Saturn -Light corn syrup -Concentrated dish soap – like Dawn -Water -Rubbing Alcohol -Canola Oil -Large jar or clear glass cylinder -Food coloring (optional) Week 8: Uranus -glue or tape -3 tongue depressors or popsicle sticks -1 large paperclip -2 foil cupcake tins or two squares of aluminum foil -4 or more small magnets -5 wooden or cardboard cirlces, hexagons or triangles -printable -marker or pen Week 9: Neptune -2 styrofoam or disposable plastic cups -a bag filled with about a 1/4 pound of materials -a bag filled with about 5 pounds of materials -cut top off a balloon -empty aluminum can -1/4 cup of boiling water -rubber band Week 10: Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets -white paper, one or more -ice cubes colored with food coloring
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2019
4.9
262reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have taught high school astronomy for three years in a regular school and for over 3 years I taught grade one and kindergarten students in a brick and mortor school. Over the past year I've taught young learners outschool a variety of topics. I love breaking down concepts for young learners and getting them excited about the world around them.Reviews
Live Group Class
$60
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
25 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-6
3-5 learners per class
