District 11 Division of Operations & Instruction
Science

Grade 3: Exploring Space Unit

Overview
Although many space concepts are too abstract for young minds to truly understand, this unit will expose students to a general overview of space concepts as required by the Colorado State Standards. Many of the lessons in this unit are designed with an inquiry-based approach where students are asked to look at their present ideas and understanding of space then build on this prior knowledge through exploration and discoveries. Third graders will learn about scaled models of the solar system, craters, constellations, planets, and important moments in space history.

Building Successful Foundations in Science - Elementary science integrates and organizes student scientific knowledge through a foundation made up of 'Bricks" of Big Ideas put together with the "Mortar" of Unifying Concepts.

Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

  • A common vocabulary is needed to communicate about the scientific procedure.
  • A hypothesis is a testable prediction as to the outcome of a scientific investigation.
  • A well designed investigation involves the use of a written plan that identifies the materials to be used, the procedure to follow, and the variables. A plan needs to be followed to make sure all steps in an investigation are completed.
  • A scientist uses many tools when conducting an investigation. Complete data makes it possible to explain the results of an investigation and compare it with the prediction.
  • When data is analyzed, the results can be communicated in a variety of ways.
  • Objects in the sky move in regular patterns which makes them identifiable if conditions are right.
  • The Earth rotates on its axis as it revolves around the sun. The rotation is responsible for day and night. The revolution around the sun and tilt of the Earth is responsible for the seasons.
  • Our Solar System is made up of the Sun, Earth, Moon, eight other planets, their satellites, asteroids, comets
  • A scale model can help us understand the distances of the components of our solar system.
  • There are many events important to space history.
  • Changes in technology allow space exploration to take place at greater distances and in greater detail.

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

  • What common vocabulary should be used when conducting an investigation?
  • Why are predictions an important part of the scientific process? How can we make better predictions?
  • Why should we follow a plan when conducting an investigation?
  • What tools are available to gather data when conducting an investigation?
  • How does data help us explain our investigation? What are some of the ways we can collect data?
  • How can we communicate the results of our investigation to others?
  • What are some objects that can be observed in the sky?
  • How does the motion of the Earth cause day/night and seasons?
  • What are the components of our solar system? How far apart are the components in our solar system?
  • What are some of the important events in space history?
  • What technology is currently being used or developed for space exploration?

Standards

Highest Frequency Standards High Frequency Standards Other Standards & E-skills

 
Standard 1:
Students understand the process of scientific investigation and design, conduct, communicate about, and evaluate such investigations. (1.b., 1.d.)
Standard 4:
Students know the structure of the solar system, composition and interactions of object in the universe, and how space is explored. (4.4a - 4.4h)

Sample Units

District 11 Diamond Units/Lessons Overview - includes information about the purpose, goals and structure of these sample instructional units:

Resources

Vocabulary:  Sun as source of earth’s heat and light, Moon, stars, planets, solar system, telescope, constellations, rotation of Earth on axis, orbit of the Earth around the Sun, day and night cycle, models are used to represent events and objects

Parents

Living in the Colorado Springs area offers a great opportunity to sit with your child and observe the night sky. The air quality in the Springs makes star gazing possible a most of the time.  Ask your child to share what he or she is learning about space and our Solar System. To pique your child's interest in learning, ask probing questions about what he or she believes is "out there."  Share your understanding and beliefs about what is known and unknown in the universe. Make predictions with your child about what you both believe will happen as man continues to explore the universe.  Pick an easily identifiable star and "name it" after your child. Take advantage of this opportunity to share with your child what you consider to be our place within the universe. 

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