Details and Share
Astronauts
This lesson is designed to help students understand the concept of outer space and astronauts. Through multiple activities and discussions, students will learn who astronauts are, where they go, and how they get there.
Grade Level: K - 1st
Subject:
Length of Time: About 45 Minutes
Objectives & Outcomes
Students will be able to explain who an astronaut is, what they do, what they use, where they go, and how they get there.
Materials Needed
- computer/projector with internet access to view YouTube
- yarn
- straw
- balloon
- astronaut outline worksheet (can be found through a Google search)
- paper plate
- construction paper
- markers
Procedure
Opening to Lesson
Students give ideas and participate accordingly, as I fill out the blank K-W-L organizer as a whole class, using large chart paper.
Body of Lesson
Direct Teaching
Watch a real shuttle launch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoNITE-CL (CFU: pause the video and allow students to predict what will happen next, name vocabulary they can see, possibly write down things they see, ask questions, etc.)
Guided Practice 1
Writing activity: After already completing the ‘Know’ section of the KWL chart as a class, have students pair into groups and write down one sentence they learned form the video and draw one picture they remember from the video, and color if time allows.
Guided Practice 2
Balloon rockets: (whole class or small group activity) Tie a long piece of yarn or string to a stationary object in the classroom. Slide a straw onto the string and then tie the other end of the string to something else in the classroom.
Have students color and cut out an astronaut (from a template maybe found online or created) and tape the head to the side of the straw. Blow up a balloon and pinch it shut with your fingers. Being careful to not let any air out, tape the balloon to the straw. Move the straw and balloon up to the top of the string, let go, and watch the balloon rocket to the other end of the string. (CFU: Have students predict how far the rocket will travel and measure the results)
Independent Practice
Astronaut Craft: have students use a paper plate (to represent a space suit helmet and draw a face inside - or have them find a famous astronauts face online to print and cut and glue. then have students cut and glue a body, globes and boots. You can have students write five sentences about astronauts directly on the suit, on a worksheet that the astronaut holds, on the back or the craft or even in a bubble as if he is saying facts about himself. (CFU: Walk around and continuously ask questions, write vocab on board, encourage students to use the word wall, etc)
Closing
Have students present their astronaut
Assessment & Evaluation
Through guided questions, close monitoring and informal observation; the teacher will be able to assess student’s ability and understanding of the subject being introduced. Through individually assessing during independent practice and reviewing during guided practice the teacher will be able to evaluate students.
Modification & Differentiation
Students may work in groups or individually in order to complete their assignments. In order to accommodate for all students, allow extra time to review for lower students and extra worksheets to occupy the time of advanced students. The astronaut craft is a great activity for a diverse group of students because it allows opportunity for as little or as much participation. Students can either simply color or draw pictures on the astronaut, or advanced levels can write multiple sentences.
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