Our Solar System: Hands on Science!

In this ongoing Outer Space Science Club, students will blast off into a new corner of our solar system each week, exploring fascinating planets, moons, stars, and more! Each session will start with an exciting exploration of the topic, where students will learn fun facts, view images, and engage in lively discussions. At the start of each class, students will have the opportunity to share their own space facts or discoveries, contributing to the group's knowledge and sparking curiosity.

After our space-themed learning, students will dive into a hands-on experiment or project that connects to the week's topic. Some experiments will be completed from start to finish during class, while others may take a little extra time throughout the week to finish. These activities will be designed to encourage exploration and creativity, while reinforcing scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.

This class is highly interactive, blending structured learning with socializing and shared experiences. Students will have the chance to work together, ask questions, and engage in discussions, making it an exciting learning environment. Materials for each class are easy to find, often from your local grocery store or online (such as Amazon). A materials list will be provided at least one week in advance, so you'll always be prepared!

Each week’s theme may be influenced by the interests and suggestions of the students in the class, ensuring that the topics stay relevant and exciting. If there are any changes to the schedule or themes, at least one week’s notice will be given.

This club is perfect for young learners who are curious about space, eager to explore new science concepts, and excited to join a community of like-minded kids.

Week of February 23rd - March 1st: The Sun
- Paper plate
- Red, orange, and yellow paint
- Paint brush
- Small ball of playdough or clay
- One unsharpened pencil

Week of March 2nd - March 8th: Mercury
- Kinetic Sand or Playdough
- Small balls or rocks or crumpled pieces of tin foil

Week of March 9th - March 15th: Venus
- Piece of cardboard
- White and Yellow Paint
- Baking soda
- Two paint brushes
- Vinegar in spray bottle

Week of March 16th - March 22nd: Earth
-Styrofoam ball
- Blue and Green paint
- Black Marker
- Flashlight
- Pencil
- Paintbrushes

Week of March 23rd - March 29th: Mars
- Chocolate, Crackers, and Chips crushed into small pieces and mixed together on a plate
(Keep these ingredients secret from your learner! We will be using our senses to study this “martian soil” like a scientist!)

Week of March 30th - April 5th: Jupiter
-Paper plate
- Strips of white, red, orange, brown, and yellow paper
- Glue

Week of April 6th - April 12th: Saturn
-PDF
- Markers
-Liquid glue
-Small cup of sand or dirt
-White or silver glitter
*No Thursday class on April 10th*

Week of April 13th - April 19th: Uranus
- A jar with lid
- About 1/3 cup hot water
- Ice
- Hairspray

Week of April 20th - April 26th: Neptune
-PDF
-Glue
-Scissors

Week of April 27th - May 3rd: Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea, Makemake, and
Sedna
- Playdough in several colors

Week of May 4th - May 10th: The Moon
-PDF
-Oreo cookies

Week of May 11th - May 17th: Asteroids
- Sheet of Black Paper
- Chalk in Various Colors
- Glue
- Small pieces of tin foil or tiny rocks

Week of May 18th - May 24th: Exoplanet Planet X & Oort Cloud
- PDF
-Small items

Week of May 25th - May 31st: Astronaut
-paper plate with small rectangle cut out of center (for their eyes to look through)
-markers and stickers

Week of June 1st - June 7th: Space Shuttle
- A sheet of paper
- Tape or glue
- Scissors
- Toilet paper roll
- Markers
- Small toy such as a lego person

Week of June 8th -June 14th : Space Station
-PDF
-Markers or Crayons

*This schedule is subject to change*