Space Mission 1: Astronomy, Astronauts & Exploration (SP-Age 9-14)

Astronomy has always been an important part of human history, from the Ancient Greeks and Mayan astronomers, to Nicolaus Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, Galileo, Isaac Newton, and even to Albert Einstein. Astronomy has played a mysterious, yet vital role in our world. After all, as humans, we have an innate desire to be explorers and space is, perhaps, one of the most thrilling areas of unimaginable and untapped exploration and discovery. As many nations have been delving deeper and deeper into their space programs, pushing the limits of human interaction with our solar surroundings and the cosmos, it is vital to instill a love of learning about space into the minds of the next generation. This class will focus on our solar system, Earth and her Moon, things orbiting the Earth, Telescopes, Constellations, while also allowing students to learn about astronauts, the training, and what they do. Students will be given a variety of opportunities to discuss areas of space exploration they want to share with the class, and there will be a Space Adventure Project created jointly as a class.
In this 6-week course, students will take a learning adventure throughout our Solar System & will be able to:
1.	Identify & Label the planets in our Solar System 
2.	Characterize & Discuss how each planet is unique
3.	Recognize how the Earth & her Moon are unique from other planets and moons.
4.	List the Order of our Solar System from the Sun to the Outermost Planet
5.	Discuss, Define & Name: What is a Telescope? Who invented the telescope? How do we use telescopes nowadays? 
6.	Discuss, Define & Explain: What is a Constellation? How do we identify them in the night’s sky? 
7.	Recognize & Identify at least 5 different Constellations in a Star Chart
8.	Discuss, Define & Discover: What is an Astronaut? What do they do? Where have they traveled to in Space? How do they Train?
9.	Discover, Discuss & Recognize Things Orbiting Earth (An in-depth look into The International Space Station, Satellites & More)
10.	Recognize, Discuss & Identify Other Objects in Space
11.	 Categorize the Main Types of Spacecraft sent into space by humans.

*Please see the Class Syllabus for additional Information on Class Experience.

Mini Lessons, in the form of Teacher-Created Videos, Discussion posts, Worksheets, Color Pages, Game Links, and other learning materials will be posted in the Outschool Classroom, and students who wish to become more involved in their learning can utilize these additional learning materials.
*No prior knowledge is necessary.