Lessons contained in Astronomy 1 introduce the students to our solar system, and where all the different planets are located within this system. The students explore the concept of "orbit" as it pertains to the planets and their path around the sun. Also, the sun's effects on these planets during their orbital cycle are covered.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the computerized program, question your students: What are planets? Do you know that Earth is a planet? What does the sun do to you and the Earth?

"Introduction to Astronomy"
Hands-on Activity - To get the students in an 'astronaut frame-of-mind', they first make their own astronaut-shaped school name badges. They can cut these out to wear while they learn about the planets.
Touch-Screen Game - Students need to build a spaceship to travel among the planets. This activity shows them how to create their own spaceship design. There is no right or wrong way to build the spaceship, so students should be encouraged to use as many shapes as desired. While designing on the Learning Station, points are earned for each block used in their spaceship creation, and the total is displayed for the students to see. Motor skills are utilized during this activity, and the other students are encouraged to participate by making suggestions during group design and building. The students are then introduced to the solar system. First, the sun -- its size, its importance, how it affects all the planets and the moon -- is discussed. Students are encouraged to talk about sunsets, shadows and reflections.
Hands-On Activity - Using a flashlight and a globe, follow the example on the Learning Station to illustrate how the sun's rays effect the earth and other planets.

"The Solar System"
As the solar system is explored, students learn the location and orbit of the different planets. This is obviously a challenging subject, but it is amazing how much the students remember. Some will remember only planet Earth, while other students will be able to name many of the planets.
Touch-Screen Game - The names and positions of the planets are introduced another way on the Learning Station as students "drag" each planet to its orbit around the sun. Students use eye-hand coordination as well as learn to recognize different sizes as they relate to individual planets.

"The FasTrack Space Explorer"
Now that the planets have been described, students take an imaginary trip through space to learn more. Mercury, Venus and Earth are investigated. Teachers can then videotape a few students as they describe the planets they just visited. The remaining planets are then 'visited' in groups of three, and are similarly explored.
Optional Activity - If supplies are available, create a solar system model. Use different sized balls, clay balls, Styrofoam or whatever round items is available. Fruit is especially fun to use: apples and oranges and grapefruit for the sun. These can be mounted on a Styrofoam base (or florists foam). Use craft sticks or pencils 'poked' into the planets. Talk about the orbit around the sun. Another way to do this - felt-material circles, construction paper circles, or even cookies glued to paper or cardboard. (One class used donuts and then ate them for snack time after discussion).

"Comets, Meteors and Asteroids"
Optional activity - This can be done outside in a sandbox, if weather permits. If not, use a box of sand, dirt or flour (messy, but fun) to represent the surface of the moon. Standing fairly high above this box (student on chair, with supervision), drop a hard ball or rock directly onto the surface to simulate a meteor or asteroid strike. Examine the crater that is made. Discuss how the surface of the sand has changed.
Touch-Screen Game - Students guide a spaceship through the computerized asteroid and meteor shower by "dragging" the spaceship and avoiding the obstacles. Don't let the asteroids hit your spaceship!

Before Students Go Home - Review
Review the names of the planets.
Review the orbit of the planets around the sun
. Talk about the effect of the sun's rays on the earth.
Talk about space flight and the astronaut badges made.
Remind them of craters on the moon and how they were made.

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Flashlight and globe
Astronaut badge handout
Crayons or markers to color astronaut badges
Scissors and safety pins (to attach badges to shirts)
Optional - balls, clay or other round objects to represent planets Craft sticks, wire, and pins to attach planets Base (cardboard or Styrofoam/florists foam)
Optional - box of sand or dirt for moon's surface rocks or hard ball for meteors
Videotape