World Space Week 2015 - Lessons to Integrate Technology

A celebration that occurs each year from October 4 - October 10 that has the potential to get students excited about science and technology is World Space Week, which is the largest public space event in the world.

Teachers are encouraged to introduce space-themed lessons and engage students in space-based activities.  So, to help you "launch" this week with success, I've put together some "stellar" lessons and resources to make your World Space Week a "blast"!  ...see what I did there :)

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

Nitty Gritty Science
Introduce students to major topics that are celebrated throughout World Space Week by having students complete notes and activities from my Earth Science Interactive Notebook - Astronomy and Space Science.  In this chapter you will find activities that support Earth's Motion, The Moon, The Solar System, The Planets, Stars and Galaxies and a Shuttle Launch.

World Space Week Educator's Resources

Source: http://www.worldspaceweek.org/

Visit the World Space Week website to search for events in your area and to find educational materials like the one linked to here that support some of the goals of World Space Week which are to:

• Excite young people about science, technology, engineering, and math
• Foster international cooperation in space and outreach and education
• Demonstrate public support for space programs.  http://www.worldspaceweek.org/about/) 

International Space Station Educator's Resource Guide
Lockheed Martin and NASA created a space-packed teacher's guide about the International Space Station which is filled with activities geared towards grades 3-9 that help students relate to how the space station works, what are astronauts rolls and what really occurs on board the real station.

Source: NASA.gov

NASA's Educational Publications
This site features FREE educational print publications from NASA.  Nasa's education program strives to "inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics" by supporting education in the Nation's schools (www.nasa.gov).


Bring a Planetarium to your Classroom
Community outreach programs and educational resource companies are offering a chance for teachers to bring the night sky into the classroom.  This unique opportunity offers students a chance to see constellations and starry skies without the light pollution that is found in many communities. Some mobile labs can also take students on a tour of the solar system either in the comfort of your classroom or in a gymnasium for a larger group if you're holding a space celebration event.  Check out some of these mobile planetariums to see if there is one in your area:

Source: www.bellmuseum.umn.edu

STARLAB

SKYDOME PLANETARIUM - Mobile Ed

ePLANETARIUM

ExploraDOME




I know by using some of these resources you and your students will have an amazing Out-of-this-World Space Week!!  Have more ideas, I would love to share them - message me below.  Throwing a Space Event!?!?  Tell us about it!!