Out in Space

Content Objectives

Students will:

• Learn about the concept of space exploration.
• Access prior knowledge and build background about space and the scientists who study it.
• Explore and apply the concept of space exploration.

Language Objectives

Students will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of space and space exploration.
• Orally use words that identify various planets and objects in outer space.
• Extend oral vocabulary by discussing the exploration of space.
• Use key concept words [outer• space, astronauts, space shuttle, solar system, planet, NASA, astronomy, astronomers].

Other

Explain

• Use the slideshow to review the key concept words.
• Explain that students are going to learn about space:
• Differences between stars, planets, and other outer space objects.
• Astronomy is the study of outer space.
• NASA explores outer space.
• Astronauts are very well• trained and prepared for their missions.

Model

• After the host introduces the slideshow, point to the photo on screen. Ask students: What is happening in this photograph? (a space shuttle is blasting off).
• Ask students: When this space shuttle gets into outer space, what might the people on board see?(planets, stars, the moon, the sun, and so forth).
• Say: Scientists spend a lot of time studying everything in outer space. The people who go into outer space to collect information are called astronauts. There is much to be discovered. Would you like to be an astronaut? (answers will vary).

Guided Practice

• Guide students through the next four slides, showing them how astronauts and scientists at NASA study outer space. Always have the students discuss how outer space is different from Earth.

Apply

• Play the games that follow. Have them discuss with their partner the different topics that appear during the Talk About It feature.
• After the first game, ask students to discuss what they know about any of the planets besides Earth. After the second game, have them discuss what they think astronomers will learn about space in the future.

Close

• Ask students: Why do scientists explore outer space?
• Summarize for students that outer space consists of the nine planets, the stars, the Moon, and the Sun. Astronauts study outer space. NASA is the team of scientists that study outer space for the United States. Encourage them to think about what else could be found in outer space.