Classroom Activities Space/Literature
Part I. Space Exploration by Michael George
Objective: (Foundational Print Awareness): The students will develop a variety of foundation skills necessary for effective reading.
Procedure before Reading: Space Exploration takes us into the history of space travel. It gives the students the idea that people have always wanted to go into space and explore the Moon, the planets and the stars. Space travel is dangerous and difficult but in the beginning scientists used man made robots not men to explore space, from the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1, unmanned space probes to explore the Moon, the Apollo Space Program, the Space Station (Skylab) to the fascinating Planetary Probes. Before reading invite the students to share what they know about space. What do they wonder about? Record children's responses on a K-W-L (Things We Know, Things We Want to Know and Things I Learned) chart.
Activities: We Wonder. Challenge the student to think about what they read with these questions:
- What is an atmosphere? Describe the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Why were robots sent to space first?
- What is zero g?
- How did scientists, engineers and medical specialists enable people to survive in space?
Math Activity: How fast? How far? If a Shuttle travels around the Earth every 90 minutes at the speed of 28,000 kmh (17,500 mph), how far do you think you could travel by bike in 90 minutes? How far do you think you could travel by car in 90 minutes? What is the fastest way you have ever traveled? How far is your grandparent's house from your house? If your grandparents live in another state, how far would that be from your house? Calculate the distance with the students. How many times would you have to visit your grandparents to equal a trip around Earth?
Assessment: Teacher made test to check comprehension and vocabulary skills. Solve math problems similar to the math activity (see above).
Part II. Team Moon How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh
Objective: ELA.5.2.07 Students will identify expository text studies (problem/solution, chronology, comparison and contrast, cause/effect,) print features, graphic aids and organizational aids, in non fiction, to discuss how they influence the scope and depth of a text and to locate, organize and recall information.
Procedure before Reading: Team Moon gives students a rare perspective for Apollo 11 the first Moon landing story that involves many people not only the few and famous. Some of these people are the seamstresses who put together 22 layers of fabric for the astronauts' spacesuits. The engineers created a special heat shield to protect the capsule during its fiery reentry to the Earth's atmosphere. The story includes the flight directors, camera designers, software experts, suit testers, aerospace technicians, photo developers, engineers and navigators.
Activities: Vocabulary - Word Round-Up. Before sharing the book with the class, read through the text and make a list of all the space inspired words. Add the words to the vocabulary list and ask the students to use the dictionary to define each word. Give each student a paper plate. Divide the paper plate into four equal parts. Tell each student to write the vocabulary word on the first part. Next, write the meaning of the word. Then, draw and color a picture for the word. Lastly, tell the student to use the vocabulary word in a complete sentence. Another interesting activity is Writing: Into Orbit. Simulate Space launch. Have the students close their eyes as you (teacher) describe the journey of Apollo 11.
Assessment: Teacher made vocabulary test (match the word to the right meaning).
The other writing assessment is to pretend that you are one of the seamstresses of the Apollo 11 spacesuit. Draw the spacesuit; explain what it looks like and how it is made.
Part III Ellen Ochoa: The First Hispanic Woman Astronaut (Great Hispanics of Our Time)
Objective: ELA.5.2.07 Students will identify expository text studies print features, graphic aids and organizational aids, in non fiction, to discuss how they influence the scope and depth of a text and to locate, organize and recall information. To help students comprehend an informational text.
Procedure before Reading: Ellen Ochoa is one of the many great Americans of Hispanic descent that has contributed to the science of space. Ellen's mother instilled in her the value of education. Her mother taught her that education could help her become whatever she wanted to be. She learned that success comes from being a hard worker. Hard work is one of the qualities of a good astronaut. Ellen Ochoa worked first as a researcher for NASA and is a licensed pilot. She lives with her husband in Houston, Texas.
Activities: Main ideas and Details. Explain that finding ideas and details is a good way to organize information about a topic. Ask what main ideas about Ellen Ochoa might be in the beginning section. Teacher records responses on chart paper. Read each section and continue to ask the students what main ideas might be in each section. Teacher records students' responses on a chart. Tell the students to write any words or ideas that they need to clarify.
Assessment. Teacher made comprehension check test or ask the children to write Ellen Ochoa a note giving a brief description telling why they like her story. Group assessment. Tell each group to dramatize the mother and daughter inspiring relationship. Ask each group to work together and create their own reader's theater. The script must be based on the group's favorite section.
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