Month 1:
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Introduce the Solar System: Explain that the Solar System is composed of the Sun and its 8 planets, as well as their moons, asteroids, comets, meteors, and other objects.
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Make a 3-D Solar System Model: Have children craft a 3-D Solar System model using styrofoam balls (Sun) and various materials (paper tubes, cardboard cut-outs, and paint/markers to represent the eight planets).
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Introduce the Eight Planets:
- Mercury: Smallest and closest to the Sun
- Venus: Brightest planet
- Earth: Home to all life
- Mars: Red planet with tallest mountain (Olympus Mons)
- Jupiter: Largest planet with over 60 moons
- Saturn: Known for its rings
- Uranus: Coolest planet (only visible in reflected light)
- Neptune: Darkest and farthest planet from the Sun
- Compare and Contrast the Planets: Use pictures/diagrams to compare and contrast the planets. Talk about the differences in size, atmosphere, moons, and distance from the Sun.
Month 2:
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Discuss the Distance of the Planets from the Sun: Explore the scale of the Solar System by comparing the difference in distances from the Sun of different planets.
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Review 3-D Model: Review the 3-D Solar System model and its components.
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Explore Asteroid Belts: Discuss the asteroid belt that surrounds the Solar System, where most of the asteroids are located.
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Introduce Comets and Meteors: Discuss comets and meteors and how they travel around the Sun and occasionally crash into planets.
Month 3:
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Visit a Planetarium: Visit a planetarium and observe the stars, planets, and other objects in the sky.
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Research Mission to Mars: Have children research the planned mission to Mars and discuss how astronauts will traverse the planet.
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Watch a documentary: Watch a documentary about the Solar System and explore more in-depth facts about the planets.
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Field Trip to Observatory: Visit a local observatory to take a look through a telescope at the night sky and see the planets, stars, and other objects up close.
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