THE SOLAR SYSTEMGroup 7: The Rainbows

A curriculum setup

WHAT?

Setup for a curriculum about the solar system

We created an activity for it before (Greece) The solar system varies from very concrete

to pretty abstract Looking at the sky is fascinating Suitable for all ages

OVERALL AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Progressively teach pupils from ages 6-18 about the solar system

From the concept of day and night to gravity on the moon

Use authentic science to show that science is fun and it is all around you in everyday life

Use ICT to improve the understanding and make it more attractive to learn

3 DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

We decided on three different age groups: Group A: 6-8 year olds Group B: 9-14 year olds Group C: 15-18 year olds

Teacher roles differ between groups Level of understanding differs between

groups

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

GROUP A: OVERVIEW

What is able for them to understand Day and night Seasons The sun, the earth and the moon Mention the big bang

Role of teacher: director

GROUP A: ACTIVITIES

Show a big bang simulation Make paper-mache sun-earth-moon Conditions of life Observe day and night

GROUP B: OVERVIEW

Planets Explain seasons Well known stars What you can see Concrete Full moon etc. Eclipse

Teacher is a mediator; partially director, partially student responsibility

Students can work in groups

GROUP B: ACTIVITIES

In groups: do research on a planet; make it in paper-mache

Create own solar system Go to planetarium or science museum Go look at planets with telescope Show eclipse videos and demonstrate Invite parents for presentation and

observation of planets with telescopes

GROUP B: RESOURCES

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/fun/orbitsV3.swf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcz4vGvoxQA

GROUP C: OVERVIEW

What are stars White dwarfs Nebula Things that you can’t see Gravity (prerequisite: forces, Newton laws) Big bang Atmosphere

Students are independent and work in groups Teacher is guidance and applies basic rules

GROUP C: ACTIVITIES

Use Google Earth to do their own exploration Make a presentation Explain to groups A and/or B some basics of

the solar system Experience multiple G Calculate weight on different planets Presence of atmosphere

CONCLUSIONS

We created a curriculum setup built on the keynotes from last week

The solar system is a fascinating subject Ages 6-8, 9-14 and 15-18 Teacher roles differ and change Pupils change We involved ICT, parents, group work,

essentialism, progressivism, perennialism, authentic science and hands-on experience

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTIONAND THANK YOU ALL FOR THESE GREAT

WEEKS!