By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
The lessons culminating the study of astronomy for Union City Elementary School first graders have been out of this world.
In completing the Knowledge Domain, teachers used a variety of fun centers to allow students to create constellations, design their own planets, and display the four phases of the moon.
They were also allowed to ‘decorate’ their own astronaut.
After students received traditional instruction about the Earth’s atmosphere, sun, moon, and solar system planets, teachers put a fun spin on the lessons.
The eager students created constellations using marshmallows and toothpicks, designed planet markers using markers and coffee filters and sprayed them with water to create a cohesive appearance. They also used Oreo cookies to display the four phases of the moon.
The activities fell in line with other non-traditional lessons, including earlier ones featuring the Fable Olympics and Operation Day.
“Our students work extremely hard every day, so the teachers and students all love having a break from traditional teaching and getting to have fun with hands-on learning,” Conley explained. “It was a fun way to review all the things the students had learned during the domain.
“It is our collective hope as teachers that we are creating fond core memories that students can recall years from now.”