Chart Your Course


Where Do I Begin?

The following outline has been developed as a guide to assist classroom teachers in teaching a unit about Space. Although it has been developed for a Grade 6 class it can easily be adapted for other grades. This outline is based upon the Ontario Ministry of Education Science and Technology document Earth and Space Systems: Space.
*TIMELINE* - Approx. 2-3 Months


The Solar System


Physical Characteristics of the Solar System:

  • The Planets
  • The Sun
  • Asteroids
  • Comets
  • Meteoroids
  • Positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun (use models/simulations)

    Bodies In Space:

  • Moons/Planets (reflecting light)
  • Stars (emitting light)

    The Moon's Surface:

  • craters, rills, maria
  • create/use models, simulations

    Cycles in Nature:

  • Day and Night
  • The Seasons (Earth's rotation and revolution)
  • Phases of the Moon

    Major Constellations:

  • Identify and describe the origins of their names. (eg. Orion, Leo)

    Safety Procedures (when looking at the Sun):

  • Make a sundial.
    • Space Exploration


    Astronomy Timeline:

  • The Development of the Calendar
  • Predicting Eclipses

    The History of Space Exploration

  • In Canada
  • Elsewhere

    Space Progress

  • Canadarm
  • Hubble Telescope
  • Lunar Rover
  • Sojourner

    Canadians Contributing to Space Technology

  • Biographies (Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar, Chris Hatfield, David Levy, Helen Hogg, Bjarni Tryggvason)

    Astronauts in Space

  • Meeting Basic Needs

    Space Debris

  • Space Junk, Satellites Burning Up

    Space Technology and New Technology

  • STS-95

    • Wonders of Space Home Page
    Franklin Institute Wired@School || Holy Redeemer Catholic School

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    Karen Walkowiak
    Web Editor

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