Nine Planets

Nine Planets: A great resource for learning about our solar system and the objects in it. http://nineplanets.org

Starry Night Field Trips

Bright Sky, Starry City imparts to the reader the wonder that Phoebe and her Dad feel when stargazing. A trip to a local planetarium is a magical, transformative experience for children — and provides a solid introduction to astronomy. If equipment is available and...

The Solar System

Phoebe draws the planets on the sidewalk using chalk while her father sets up the telescopes. As a class, come together and review this section. Why does she call her drawings “special effects?” Have students draw their own diagram of the solar system. They should...

Welcome to My Planet

Have each student select a planet and use the Internet or library resources to prepare a short research project on it, working with an adult if appropriate. Each report should include interesting facts about the planet, including physical description, size relative to...

Comprehension Triva Contest

Explain to students that traditionally the teacher asks the questions and the student gives the answers, but today things will be a little different. Today students will make up the questions! Discuss the “Five Ws and one H” question words — Who, What, Where, When,...