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Session 10: Space Science 🌌

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 10 of 17

Students explore astronomy and space science, connecting the vastness of the universe to the wonder of God's creation.

Session 10: Space Science

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand scale of the universe

  • Explore current space science

  • Connect astronomy to faith

  • Design a space exploration concept

Session 10: Space Science

Materials Needed

  • 💻 Space simulation resources

  • 📸 NASA images

  • 📦 Design materials

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🔭 Telescope (optional)

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Vatican Observatory — The Catholic Church operates an active astronomical observatory! Br. Guy Consolmagno is a Jesuit astronomer studying the universe for God's glory.

Scripture

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them?" — Psalm 8:3-4

Opening Prayer

Dear God, Creator of the universe, help us explore the wonders of space with awe and humility. The heavens declare your glory! Open our minds to the vastness of your creation. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (8 minutes)

  1. Universe Scale:
  2. Earth → Solar System → Galaxy → Universe
  3. 100 billion galaxies!
  4. Each galaxy: 100-400 billion stars!
  5. Vatican Observatory:
  6. Church operates real observatory
  7. Jesuit astronomers study space
  8. Faith seeks understanding of all creation
  9. Space Science Today:
  10. James Webb Space Telescope discoveries
  11. Mars exploration
  12. Searching for life
  13. Understanding our place in creation

Main Activity: Space Exploration (28 minutes)

Part 1: Universe Exploration (10 minutes)

Virtual Space Journey:

  • Use NASA resources or simulations

  • Scale of universe visualization

  • Recent discoveries from James Webb

  • Mars rover findings

Key Concepts:

  • Light years (distance, not time!)

  • Galaxy types and sizes

  • Life of stars

  • Planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets)

Wonder Questions:

  • Why did God create such a vast universe?

  • What does our small Earth tell us about God's love?

  • How does space exploration honor God?

Part 2: Space Design Challenge (15 minutes)

Choose ONE Challenge:

Challenge A: Space Mission Design

  • Design a mission to explore:
  • Mars colony
  • Europa (Jupiter's moon)
  • Asteroid mining

  • Exoplanet probe

  • Include: Objectives, vehicle design, timeline

Challenge B: Space Station Concept

  • Design future space station:
  • Purpose (research, tourism, manufacturing)
  • Life support systems

  • Transportation to/from Earth

  • Include: Layout, features, operations

Challenge C: Telescope/Observatory

  • Design next-generation observatory:
  • What will it study?
  • Where will it be located?

  • What technology needed?

  • Include: Capabilities, discoveries expected

Design Requirements:

  • Scientific accuracy (realistic)

  • Engineering considerations

  • Benefit to humanity

  • Sketch with labels

Part 3: Presentation (3 minutes)

  • Share designs

  • Explain scientific basis

  • Discuss potential discoveries

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Most amazing space fact: ___
  2. Design concept sketch
  3. Mission/design purpose: ___
  4. Write: "The universe shows God's glory because..."
  5. Write: "Space exploration matters because..."

Closing Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Wonder — "What amazed you most about space?"
  2. Faith Connection — "How does the universe reveal God?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Creator God, the heavens declare your glory! Thank you for the wonder of space and minds to explore it. Help us always see your hand in creation. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Understood universe scale

  • Engaged with space concepts

  • Created viable design

  • Connected to faith wonder

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Focus on one concept

  • Simplified design challenge

  • Partner work

For Advanced Students

  • Research current missions

  • Detailed engineering in design

  • Explore exoplanet possibilities

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Stargazing! Use phone apps to identify constellations. Research Vatican Observatory website. Watch space documentaries. Discuss: What does the vastness of space tell us about God?

Teacher Notes

  • NASA.gov has excellent free resources

  • Vatican Observatory has great educational content

  • James Webb images are spectacular

  • Consider planetarium field trip

Previous: Session 9 — Science & Faith
Next: Session 11 — Mercy Engineering