Lessons covered in Astronomy 2 offer a different view of our planetary system. Astronomy 1 introduced students to planets; Astronomy 2 provides a review for returning students and a topical initiation for new students. Space travel is introduced via a NASA Space Center video. Students are exposed to the concept of stars and constellations. This lesson also covers the effect of the sun's eclipse stage on our earth.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the computerized program, question your students: Do returning children remember the names of planets? Do the new students know what planets are? Do you ever look at the stars? Do you ever see patterns in clouds or the stars?

"Cloud Formations"
To introduce students to the study of the skies, discuss the development of clouds and the figures or patterns imagined in them. Talk about how students use their imagination to see these images. The discussion can then transition to focus on images students perceive in stars as constellations.
Touch-screen Activity - A constellation is shown with numbered stars. Students can connect the stars to create the constellation in a dot-to-dot counting game. One student can activate the touch screen numbers while the class counts the stars. The Big Dipper constellation appears on screen when all the numbered stars are connected.
Hands-on Activity - Using the handout provided, students repeat the dot-to-dot activity with crayons or markers. Once again, the Big Dipper constellation appears - this time on paper - when all the numbered stars are connected.
Optional - Using blue construction paper to represent the sky, glue on cotton balls to create cloud formations. Encourage the students to create different and unusual shapes.
Optional - Other constellations could be created using the dot-to-dots method. These can vary from simple outlines found in an encyclopedia or can become more complex as 'invented' by the teacher.

"Planets"
Touch-screen Activity - The planets are all represented on the Learning Station as icons which can be activated by the student. As a student chooses a planet, the screen identifies the planet by name and specific information. When each planet has been identified, students count and name the planets in order from the sun.

"Moon Video"
This video was obtained by NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas. It is actual footage picturing astronauts, spacecraft and planets. The teacher may explain these topics more in-depth, or the class may simply enjoy the video.

"Going To The Moon"
Touch-screen Activity - Now the students can be astronauts! This game is a simple matching game that reviews lesson-related shapes and figures, and exercises hand-eye coordination. (Since some of the Learning Station boards require a pointer, the teacher may want to point this out since the dialogue refers to using your finger to drag the icon. This will be changed in the future dialogue). The second part of the exercise is similar to the first in its review of shapes. In this activity, students are astronauts on the moon and prepare to move "moon rocks" into their craft and back to Earth. This exercise can be played repeatedly allowing all children the opportunity to participate.

"Eclipse"
Hands-on Activity - To dramatize the eclipse stages of the moon, students are encouraged to participate in "creating" moons. Using paper plates or stiff paper, students will draw and color moons for use as the class creates an eclipse. These "moons" should be large enough cast a shadow on the Learning Station. The students should stand in front of the projector light to cast their shadows on the screen. Make sure the students are facing the Learning Station, as the light is very bright. Also, the students should be able to see their own shadow on the projected image of the Earth.
Optional Activity - Students can also create the sun and the earth using the paper plates or paper and crayons. Have students take turns representing the sun, Earth and the moon as they create an eclipse.

"Color the Solar System"
Touch-screen Activity - To review the names of some of the planets and constellations, students take turns activating the colors on the Learning Station. Different colors are associated with various planets and constellations. This can also be an opportunity to review the names of colors.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Review the names of the planets. Can the students name one or two?
What is the name of our home planet?
What is a constellation?
How many moons does our planet have? Do other planets have more than one moon?

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Stiff paper or paper plates to create/color moons
Dot-to-dot coloring handout
Constellation coloring handout
Optional - Construction paper, cotton balls and glue for cloud formations
Videotape