Space Theme Communication Tool

Rationale: This project can be used to teach science concepts about the solar system as well as literacy, as it involves labels. You could potentially make this into a math related unit by having students sort the different manipulatives.

Materials:
-Trifold board
-Wide black felt
-Assorted colors of 9″x12″ felt sheets (grey, black, red, yellow, green, blue [dark and light], and tan)
-Glitter glue (for constellations)
-Printer paper (for labels)
-Laminating paper (for labels)
-Velcro (to make labels stick to the board)

Motivation (Introduction): “Hello, friends! We have been learning about the solar system and planets lately. I have a new way to show the planets, on this board here! Who can tell me the order of the planets? [help the students list the planets while putting the planet pieces and labels on the board] Great job! Now let’s learn some more about the solar system.”

Project:
-Initially, the board can be used as a tool for the teacher to show the order of planets, the sun, and some easily recognizable constellations.
-Once the students are familiar with the board, it can be placed in part of the room as a tool in one of the centers. The pieces can all be in a bag or bin and students can practice ordering the planets, sorting, or recognizing constellations and words.

Sources:
-This board was a self-created idea (layout, what to include, etc.)
-The templates for the planets came from a link on Pinterest for a quiet book: http://www.imagineourlife.com/patterns/SolarSystem-Pattern.pdf

Bibliography:
Stephanie. (2012, November 24). Solar System Quiet Book Page. Retrieved November 25,
2016, from Imagine Our Life, http://www.imagineourlife.com/2012/11/24/solar-system-quiet-book-page/

Leave a comment