This FutureFit Project is a supplemental project-based lesson covering Earth Science, Space and Astronomy, Space Exploration, and the Solar System. It is designed to reinforce core science subject material while also incorporating social-emotional learning and 21st Century skills and concepts.
OVERVIEW:
This FutureFit lesson is designed to supplement a standard 12-15 unit lesson for grades 4-6 Earth and Space Science by offering a unique project that ties together the core academic concepts with a set of FutureFit social-emotional and 21st Century Skills.
STUDENT/GROUP OUTPUT:
Students will go on an imaginary field trip to outer space with a famous astronaut, and then return to debrief their class on all they experienced. Students will prepare and present their briefing to the entire class as the project output.
SUGGESTED SUBJECT PREREQUISITES:
It is suggested that students should have familiarity with the following subject material as background for this lesson:
- A basic understanding of Earth science
- A basic understanding of astronomy
- A basic understanding of the Solar System and the individual planets and celestial bodies that comprise it
- A basic understanding of space exploration
SEQUENCE AND PACING
This project-based lesson includes enough material for use in five 45-minutes periods of instruction. If a more focused lesson is appropriate, select the 3-day Short Lesson. The Concept Check version provides activities which reinforce the core math concepts.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (suggested):
- Internet access
- Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Google Slides, or other presentation software.
STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
These activities support the following NGSS curriculum standards:
- ESS1.A: The Universe and Stars
- ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
