Astronomy 3 introduces students to the concept of aviation. The similarities in the flight patterns of birds, commercial airlines and spacecraft are explored. In this lesson, students have the opportunity to role-play as they take a FasTracKids airplane ride.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the computerized program, question your students: Is the student familiar with air travel? Have they taken a plane ride? Have they taken a hot air balloon ride? Are they familiar with astronauts and what they do? (This was covered in previous lessons but needs to be reviewed if there are new students).

"Aviation and the Story of Icarus"
To introduce the concept of aviation, the student is informed that throughout history humans have been curious about flying and have made many attempts to imitate the seemingly effortless flight of the bird. The children are told the story of Icarus and his attempts at flying by using wax and feather wings. This story illustrates a very early - but failed - attempt at flight. The teacher may also include other examples of attempts at early flight. What makes something able to fly?
Touch-screen game - This brief 'yes-no' answer game will introduce the newer students to the Learning Station and will show how to activate the icons to answer questions as the story of Icarus is reviewed. Students are next introduced to different methods of flight. As each flight icon is activated, the students learn about the variety of ways there are to fly. Encourage discussion about the differences and similarities.
Optional activity - Experiment with different ways of folding paper into simple airplane shapes. Vary the shape of the fold of the wings. Which ones will fly? Why?

"Interview Between Icarus and Astronaut"
Videotape activity - The interview between Icarus and the Astronaut illustrates the idea of flight vs. the reality of flight. After the interview video, students in groups of three can role-play the interview using the same or similar dialogue. Using the pull-down menu on the program, replay the interview for the students so they may be better prepared for their presentation. Use as many props as available to your classroom, such as a toy microphone, helmet (bicycle) for the astronaut, and wings (large feathers or a cape) for Icarus.
Touch-screen coloring activity - Color choices on the Learning Station can be activated by the students. Remind them to identify the colors by name as they are chosen. They can then color the image on the Learning Station by touching different parts of the picture. This picture is also used as a handout to take home.

"Icarus Game"
Touch-screen game - In this game, the students "drag" Icarus around the sun to gather feathers. Don't let Icarus get close to the sun or his wings will catch fire! Remind the students of the story and encourage them to keep Icarus as far away from the sun as possible. (NOTE- Future editions will not refer to dragging by finger, as some classes use a pointer on the computer screen). (Icarus will first appear where cursor resets so keep it away from the sun or else Icarus will catch fire upon appearing.) In the event that the children do not gather enough feathers you may advance to the next segment by selecting the "fast forward" button.

"Hot Air Balloon"
Hands-on activity - Using the supplies listed below, create hot air balloons to hang in the classroom and/or to take home. Corks, empty matchboxes or small paper cups can be used as a gondola. Cups work well because the students can decorate or color their gondolas while the teacher assists other students. Use ribbon (easier to use) or string to attach balloon to gondola.
Touch-Screen activity- Students can choose where they want to fly in a balloon. Talk about where they could actually fly and why areas are limited. Talk about how it would feel to fly in a balloon. Encourage the students to use full sentences.

"Spaceships"
Touch-screen activity- After introducing the students to space travel, a short touch-screen game illustrates the importance powerful rockets make in escaping the earth's gravitational pull. Talk about gravity and its effects. (Gravity will be reintroduced in the next lesson relative to space travel.)

"Airplane Trip"
Arrange the classroom chairs in rows as seen in commercial aircraft. An example is shown on the Learning Station. This is a fun role-playing activity for the students as they pretend to fly on an airplane. Use as many props as available, such as magazines for the flight attendants to hand out to passengers, seat belts, luggage, etc. This would be a good snack time for the students, as the flight attendants serve the passengers. Encourage lively conversation about the flight. The students should watch the Learning Station for guidance. Remind the students to listen closely to the instructions. This is a fun activity to videotape after a 'practice flight'.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Different methods of travel.
The story of Icarus.
What is an astronaut?
What is gravity?
What is space travel?
What is airline travel?

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Coloring handout of Icarus and the Astronaut
Crayons or markers to color handout
Supplies for making hot air balloons - balloon, string or ribbon, cork or paper cup for gondola, tape, scissors
Optional - paper to make props and snacks for airplane trip role-playing
Videotape