Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify planets, galaxies and understand their place in the universe.
Materials and Prep
- Pen and paper
- Coloring pencils
- Access to a window or outdoor space for stargazing
- Basic knowledge of the solar system
Activities
- Planet Coloring: Color pictures of different planets in our solar system. Be creative with the colors!
- Stargazing: Find a comfortable spot near a window or outside to look at the stars. Try to spot different constellations.
- Galaxy Creation: Use your imagination to draw your own galaxy. What colors and shapes will you use?
Talking Points
- What are planets?
"Planets are big round objects that orbit around stars like our Sun. They are like Earth but can be very different." - What is a galaxy?
"A galaxy is a huge collection of stars, planets, gas, and dust all held together by gravity. Our solar system is part of the Milky Way galaxy." - How many planets are there in our solar system?
"There are 8 planets in our solar system. Do you remember their names?" - Why do stars twinkle?
"Stars twinkle because their light has to pass through Earth's atmosphere, which can make it look like they are twinkling."