Space and the Solar System Planets Unit

Space and Solar System Unit Study

Class Objectives:

• Introduce Planets: The primary objective of this class is to introduce preschoolers to the concept of planets and our solar system. Children will learn that planets are large celestial bodies that orbit around the Sun. I will be using visual aids, like Montessori 3-part cards and chart. Students will learn to recognize the names and appearances of the eight planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

• Order of the Planets: Each planet has unique features that make them special. Children will explore the distinct characteristics of each planet, such as size, color, number of moons, and weather conditions. Learners will understand the relative positions of the planets in our solar system and familiarize their order from the Sun.

• Earth-Our Home: Kids will learn important facts about our home planet Earth and the importance of taking care of it.
Throughout the class, I will share interesting and age-appropriate facts about the planets to spark their curiosity and imagination. A video/slide presentation will be provided. 

• Create Planet Creative Crafts: Arts and crafts activities will allow children to express their creativity by making models of the planets using play-doh, fostering their understanding and sense of ownership.

• Collaboration: Learners are welcome to collaborate and interact with the group  by raising their hands for a permission to share a thought about what they learn from this class. Bring it on!

Class Goals:

Develop Basic Scientific Understanding: By the end of the class, children will demonstrate a basic scientific understanding of planets, their characteristics, and their place in the solar system. They will confidently recognize the names and appearances of each planet and understand their order from the Sun.

Enhance Fine Motor Skills: Through planet-themed arts and crafts activities, children will improve their fine motor skills as they manipulate various materials to create models of the planets and practice tracing vocabulary words. 

Stimulate Imagination and Creativity: Engaging in space-themed storytelling, songs, and rhymes will stimulate children's imagination and creativity. 

Building Vocabulary and Communication Skills: Through discussions, storytelling, and presentations, children will expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills. 

Nourish Lifelong Curiosity: This class strives to nurture a lifelong curiosity in the wonders of the universe. Our learning goals include fostering a passion for astronomy and science that will extend far beyond the preschool years, inspiring children to explore and question the world around them as they grow.