Implementation of “Astros do Sistema solar – no passado e no presente” (SOI-IT-337)

Author: Testa Fortuna

School/Organization: I.C. 57 S.G.Bosco  Naples Italy

A journey through space to learn distances, speeds, geometric figures, constellations, and augmented reality. The activity will last one month and will involve students in an interdisciplinary path to discover old and new concepts.I have decided to implement this learning scenario because I was impressed by the introductory video and its the cover image. In this way, our journey thorough the solar system started from an artistic point of view before tackling the topic from a scientific aspect. Then, we focused on learning about the solar system, our journey took place with creative challenges and scientific stimuli. We analyzed data from various planets and the students were involved in math challenges using the “numbers” hidden in scientific information. There was place also for geometry, design, creativity, and  the creation of a 3D model in scale. The evaluation tooke place in itinere with moments of comparison between peers and a final test with kahoot!

I chose to implement the learning scenario “Astros do Sistema solar – no passado e no presente (PT-CUR-171)” by Rita Seguero because I think is a great activity to introduce the Solar System topic in a fifth-grade primary school.

I have adapted the activity to my class context, adding content, resources, reflections, practical activities, online games for assessment and checklists for implementing the procedures. I have also changed the methodology and I decide to use the one that I thought was most suitable for my students.

I have decided to implement this learning scenario because I was impressed by the introductory video and its the cover image, in fact I asked the students to recreate the image with the technique they preferred. This first part of the activity was an opportunity to unleash the students’ creativity and imagination by looking at the planets from an artistic rather than a scientific point of view. We read the story “Journey to Jupiter” from the Europeana resources, I asked the students to imagine that they are the protagonists of this journey and to represent themselves climbing the ladder to the planet. The students divided into groups personalized the image and verbalized their experience.

Cover image from Learning scenario Introductory video draw by students

Journey to Jupiter

In the second part of the activity we travel throught solar system thanks to merge cube. We started from building a cardboard merge cube, then students started their exploration reading qr codes. In this way pupils explored the planets of our solar system, establish distances, taking measure, and familiarize with light-year concept. 

We started form Jupiter and compared their artwork with planets satellite images. We create the first math challenge using Jupiter’s numbers. We continued our journey throught the solar system, adding new elements to deepen the scientific and mathematical knowledge related to the astronomy in a playful and creative way. Then we continued observing stars and constellations and define and locate geometric elements in space. Student used tablets they view planet and stars characteristics and and learnt how to describe planets using numbers. These information have been used to build another mathematical challenges and create questions based on measurements.

At the end of our journey in Solar system and related math challenges, the students have learned new knowledge and skills and they are ready to create their own solar system model in scale.

Students working on a Solar system model

Solar System model by students

Surprising results

The results obtained were truly amazing. Students’ enthusiasm, motivation, and active participation were the hallmarks of the whole activity. The activity lasted for a month, and the students had the opportunity to work on several skills and achieve satisfactory goals. In addition, the activities were inclusive because each student was able to work according to their attitudes. I would definitely recommend other teachers to use and implement this scenario that for me and my students has been really very useful.

My experience

As an educator, I think that Europeana’s resources are truly an opportunity. The platform allows access to multiple resources and to select those that are most suitable for you and your students. On the teaching with europeana blog there is also the possibility to discuss with other teachers and observing things from different point of view. This allows professional growth and methodological enrichment. I suggest teachers to do an in-depth research on TWE blog using the filters to find the activity perfect for you.

Did you find this story of implementation interesting? Why don’t you read about the related learning scenario? Astros do Sistema solar – no passado e no presente (PT-CUR-171) created by Rita Seguro

Did you find this story of implementation interesting? You might also like: 

• A Sky Full Of Stars (LS-TR-91) implemented by Emine ERTAŞ
• How did people learn to measure time (LS-PL-103) implemented by Ryszard Markowicz
• Searching Water in Solar System (LS-IT-301) implemented by Angela Colli

Do you want to discover more stories of implementation? Click here.

Public Domain Mark 1.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek.