As Space is becoming increasingly important in most countries around the world, especially given the amount of Space travel that has recently increased, it is more and more important for our children to know, at least basic knowledge about the Space around us, including all scientists have now learned about Black Holes & Exoplanets! Plus, most learners find this topic to be extremely interesting as their young minds get to explore the possibilities of Space: making it perfect for the explorer in all of us!
Note: This class is a continuation of Space Mission: Astronomy, Astronauts & Exploration & that class is a prerequisite class for this one as we learn many facts about space & key terminology which will be utilized during this course as well. 
Schedule Outline:
Week 1: Today, students will learn all about Planetary Systems. We will first define what a “planetary system” is, and then discuss what it means, and how our planetary system is unique from the others we have found around us in space. Focus will be on understanding the term and how we identify the “planetary systems” in space. (Key Terminology: Star, Orbit, Revolve, Spin, Rotate, Planet, Moons, & Planetary System)

Week 2: During this class, students will discover our own unique planetary system, along with its planets, moons, and more. Emphasis will be given on naming and ordering the planets in our Planetary System, as well as discussing a few main details for each of these. During this class, students will be using & divulging what they have learned & information obtained in the Space Mission 1-Introductory Course. (Key Terminology: Solar System, Sol, Planet, Dwarf Planets, Asteroid Belt, Kuiper Belt, & Oort Cloud). 
We will also learn a fun Solar System Song during this class & students will be encouraged (but not forced) to join in, dancing & singing all together!

Week 3: Today’s class will focus on learning what galaxies are, what they look like, how they function, and things we may find inside a galaxy. We will explore the definition of “galaxy”, discussing what galaxies are and how we can explain this concept to others using previously learned terminology. 

Week 4: During this class, students will discover the main types of galaxies & details about each type. We will look at many examples and students will be given the opportunity to identify these types based on the images shown. (Key Terminology: Galaxy, Spiral, Lenticular, Elliptical, Irregular, & Cluster)

Week 5: Today is a review class & students will review Planetary Systems and Galaxies with an exciting, interactive Review Game. Students are encouraged to work with & help their classmates as we review the information learned about Planetary Systems & Galaxies, the types of galaxies, & the definitions of the key vocabulary used during our previous lessons. 
We will explore the galaxies we have discovered through an amazing video & picture journey! We will also sing the Solar System song together once again!

Week 6: During this class, students will discover how everything we know of & have learned about resides within the largest region of space, The Known Universe. We will discuss what the Universe is, how scientists believe it all began, as well as what we can find within the Universe. (Key terminology: Big Bang Theory, Planetary System, Galaxy, Universe). 
Note: As this is a Science class, explanation for creation will focus on the Big Bang Theory and other possible theories. Emphasis will be made that these are just Scientists’ best guess & Scientific Theories; and a point will be made that many people have many differing views about Creation & how it happened or began, and that all of these views are important & valid as none of us were present during that time in history, so we scientists honestly do not know. 

Week 7: Today’s class will be full of excitement & fun as we discuss some of the greatest mysteries in the known universe. Students will be introduced to the concepts of dark matter, dark energy, black holes, cosmic rays, and even the possibility of a Multiverse. This class is sure to leave your little scientists’ eyes wide with wonderment & amazement as we have an open discussion about all of these mysterious subjects, and the possibility of life out there (be it microscopic or intelligent)! Today is a class of pure excitement & entertainment as we each share what we think is out there, beyond the reach of our own planetary system, beyond the reach of even our galaxy…far, far, out there in the Universe! 

Week 8: We end our course with a motivating & exciting review day. We will play a fun, interactive Review Game, summarizing all we have learned & discovered about the Universe, Galaxies, & Planetary Systems. 

The teacher will use a variety of presentation & teaching tools, including videos, discussions, pictures, and interactive games, as we have fun learning all about the wonders of Space together. There will also be additional materials, notes, color pages, and activities the students can complete in the Outschool classroom, for those looking for supplemental materials.

*Recommended (but not required) Prerequisite Course: Space Mission 1: Astronomy, Astronauts & Exploration