Grade 3: Space

In Third Grade, we focused on how space objects are classified, and often reclassified, as new discoveries are made with better technology. We learned about different galaxy classifications and star classifications. We also explored he history of the classification of planets, from the time when the sun was considered a planet, as well as the moon! We used a variety of materials, including toilet paper, to create a model showing the distance of the planets from the sun. We, then, created salt watercolor paintings of space based on images from the Hubble Space telescope. As a culminating activity, students completed an engineering design challenge from the NASA JPL where they were asked to design a spacecraft that can safely land two astronauts (ping pong balls), using a variety of materials to cushion the landing.