Designed for students from Kindergarten through 2nd grade, this free STEAM and literature-based Homeschool Intro to Space Unit Study introduces early elementary students to space basics such as the sun, moon, planets, stars, and more.
FREE UNIT STUDIES
Intro to Space Unit Study
November 16, 2023
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Introduction
Welcome to The Family Years – Intro to Space Unit Study! This FREE STEAM-based unit study introduces early elementary students to space basics such as the sun, moon, planets, stars, and more. Designed for students from kindergarten through 2nd grade, children will be immersed in engaging textbooks and picture books, videos, and activities that make learning a hands-on adventure.
This Intro to Space Unit Study is designed to touch on specific topics each week at a leisurely pace. Most weeks include reading out of the textbook and a picture book to read. At this speed, it will take approximately 10 weeks to complete. As with the other free homeschooling unit studies offered on our site, you are encouraged to go at your own pace, but a 4-day curriculum example is included with each section.
The Intro to Space Unit Study uses two main textbooks, the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space and The Ultimate Book of Space. If you are following a Christian homeschool curriculum, we have also included pages from Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science. This is not required if following a secular curriculum.
Along with the space textbooks, there are 10 picture books used in the curriculum and 5 optional read-aloud chapter books to further engage your students. These books can be purchased from the links below or check your local library for titles that you may not be interested in purchasing at this time.
If you do not want to print coloring sheets and activities to go with the curriculum, there are two recommended space activity books listed for purchase. Especially in the early elementary years, activities help to reinforce what the child has learned and makes the learning process fun.
We are excited that you have chosen to learn alongside us and hope you and your family enjoy your trip to outer space! 5-4-3-2-1 BLAST OFF!
Are you currently doing our Intro to Space Unit Study? BOOKMARK THIS PAGE or SAVE THE PDF for easy access to video and activity links!
Please note, The Family Years homeschooling Intro to Space Unit Study is copyrighted and for personal use only.
FAQ
How long does the unit study take to complete?
Our unit studies are designed to be self-paced, but when covering one section per week, the Intro to Space Unit Study should take about 10 weeks to complete.
What age range is best for the Intro to Space Unit Study?
The Intro to Space Unit Study was created for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, or ages five through eight. However, we think children of all ages will enjoy the fascinating picture books and engaging read-aloud stories included in this free homeschooling unit study.
Do you have to buy ALL the recommended books?
The short answer is no. While the books included in this unit study are a fantastic addition to your home library, it is not necessary to buy every book. To save money, check your local library and see what is available to borrow or consider purchasing the books secondhand.
We would highly recommend purchasing both of the main textbooks though, since they are used each week, as well as the devotional – if following a Christian curriculum.
Is the Intro to Space Unit Study free?
The Intro to Space Unit Study is completely free. Most of the books included can be found at your local library and the bulk of the activities can be completed with items you already have around the house.
1. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space
2. The Ultimate Book of Space
3. Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science
ACTIVITY BOOKS ABOUT SPACE
1. Space Coloring and Activity Book (Ages 4-6)
2. Astronomy Activity Book for Kids: 100+ Fun Ways to Learn About Space and Stargazing (Ages 6+)
3. Paint by Sticker Kids – Outer Space
Want to dive in deeper? Check out these additional science books to further enrich your Intro to Space unit study!
1. Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations
2. Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes!
3. 50 Things to See with a Telescope
1. The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
2. If You Had Your Birthday on the Moon by Joyce Lapin
3. Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole
4. Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark Kelly
5. A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade
6. Rocket Says Look Up by Nathan Bryon
7. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
8. Pete the Cat Out of This World by James Dean
9. If I Were an Astronaut by Eric Braun
10. The Boy Whose Head was Filled with Stars by Isabelle Marinov
Curriculum
I. THE SUN AND THE MOON
- Students will learn about the sun and its place in the Milky Way.
- Students will learn about the moon and its phases.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – Great Balls of Fire (p. 36), First Big Book of Space – Sun (p. 12 – 17)
Watch – Here Comes the Sun
Activity – Sun Coloring Sheet
Day 2
Read – The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal
Activity – Make Sun Paper
Day 3
Read – Indescribable – Shine On (p. 58),
First Big Book of Space – Moon (p. 24 – 29),
The Ultimate Book of Space – Landing on the Moon and Mars – moon side
Watch – Why Does the Moon Change?
Activity – Phases of the Moon Coloring or Activity Sheet
Day 4
Read – If You Had Your Birthday on the Moon
Activity – Oreo Moon Phases
- Great Balls of Fire (p. 36)
- Shine On (p. 58)
- Our Solar System (p. 8 – 9)
- Sun (p. 12 – 17)
- Moon (p. 24 – 29)
- Landing on the Moon and Mars
PICTURE BOOKS
- Here Comes the Sun (3:03)
- Why Does the Moon Change? (3:48)
II. MERCURY AND VENUS
- Students will learn about the basics of the solar system and the 8 planets of the Milky Way.
- Students will learn about Mercury and Venus.
Day 1
Read – Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
Watch – The Planet Song for Kids
Activity – Solar System Coloring Sheet
Day 2
Read – The Ultimate Book of Space – The Solar System, First Big Book of Space – Mercury (p. 36 – 39)
Watch – The Planet Mercury
Activity – Mercury Coloring Sheet
Day 3
Read – First Big Book of Space – Venus (p. 40 – 43)
Watch – What is Venus?
Activity – Venus Coloring Sheet
Day 4
Read – Indescribable – Shooting Down the Big Bang (p. 96)
Watch – The Planet Song for Kids (again – optional)
Activity – Paint Stick Solar System Project
- Shooting Down the Big Bang (p. 96)
- Mercury (p. 36 – 39)
- Venus (p. 40 – 43)
- The Solar System
PICTURE BOOKS
- The Planet Song for Kids (3:08)
- The Planet Mercury (2:17)
- What is Venus? (2:00)
III. EARTH AND MARS
- Students will learn about Earth and Mars.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – Only on Earth (p. 172),
First Big Book of Space – Earth (p. 18 – 23),
The Ultimate Book of Space – Earth: The View from Space
Watch – The Planet Earth
Activity – Earth Coloring Sheet
Day 2
Watch – Views of Planet Earth
Activity – Make a Play-Doh Earth Model
Day 3
Read – Indescribable – Rest in the Shade (p. 52),
First Big Book of Space – Mars (p. 44 – 49),
The Ultimate Book of Space – Landing on the Moon and Mars – mars side
Watch – What is Mars?,
Perseverance Rover’s Descent and Touchdown on Mars
Activity – Mars Coloring Sheet
Day 4
Read – Mousetronaut Goes to Mars
Activity – Build a Lego Spacecraft (Purchase Set or Build Your Own with Legos on hand)
- Only on Earth (p. 172)
- Earth (p. 18 – 23)
- Mars (p. 44 – 49)
- Earth: The View from Space
- Landing on the Moon and Mars
PICTURE BOOKS
IV. JUPITER, SATURN, URANUS, AND NEPTUNE
- Students will learn about Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Day 1
Read – First Big Book of Space – Jupiter (p. 50 – 55)
Watch – Planet Jupiter Song
Activity – Jupiter Coloring Sheet
Day 2
Read – Indescribable – No Standing on Saturn (p. 102),
First Big Book of Space – Saturn (p. 56 – 61)
Watch – What is Saturn?
Activity – Saturn Coloring Sheet
Day 3
Read – First Big Book of Space – Uranus (p. 62 – 65)
Watch – What is Uranus?
Activity – Uranus Coloring Sheet
Day 4
Read – Indescribable – It’s a Real Gem (p. 140), First Big Book of Space – Neptune (p. 66 – 69)
Watch – The Planet Neptune
Activity – Neptune Coloring Sheet
- No Standing on Saturn (p. 102)
- It’s a Real Gem (p. 140)
- Jupiter (p. 50 – 55)
- Saturn (p. 56 – 61)
- Uranus (p. 62 – 65)
- Neptune (p. 66 – 69)
- Planet Jupiter Song (2:11)
- What is Saturn? (1:58)
- What is Uranus? (2:05)
- The Planet Neptune (3:25)
V. DWARF PLANETS
- Students will learn about dwarf planets.
- Students will learn about Pluto and why its designation as one of the main planets was changed.
Day 1
Read – First Big Book of Space – Ceres (p. 76 – 77),
Haumea, Eris, and Makemake (p. 82 – 83)
Watch – The Dwarf Planet Song
Day 2
Read – Indescribable – The Pale Blue Dot (p. 160),
First Big Book of Space – Pluto (p. 78 – 81)
Watch – Why is Pluto not a planet?
Day 3
Read – A Place for Pluto
Activity – Pluto Coloring Sheet
Day 4
Activity – Sidewalk Chalk Planets (Don’t forget the dwarf planets!)
- The Pale Blue Dot (p. 160)
- Ceres (p. 76 – 77)
- Pluto (p. 78 – 81)
- Haumea, Eris, and Makemake (p. 82 – 83)
PICTURE BOOKS
- The Dwarf Planet Song (2:36)
- Why is Pluto not a planet? (5:10)
VI. ASTEROIDS, METEORS, AND COMETS
- Students will learn about asteroids, meteors, and comets.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – All Creation Sings (p. 54),
First Big Book of Space – Asteroid Belt (p. 72 – 73),
Asteroids (p. 74 – 75)
Watch – Comets and Asteroids!
Day 2
Read – First Big Book of Space – Meteors and Meteorites (p. 30 – 31),
Comets (p. 84 – 87)
Watch – What’s a Meteor Shower?
Day 3
Read – Rocket Says Look Up
Activity – Meteor Coloring Sheet
Day 4
Activity – Galaxy in a Jar
- All Creation Sings (p. 54)
- So Big! (p. 134)
- Asteroid Belt (p. 72 – 73)
- Asteroids (p. 74 – 75)
- Meteors and Meteorites (p. 30 – 31)
- Comets (p. 84 – 87)
PICTURE BOOKS
- Comets and Asteroids! (4:00)
- What’s a Meteor Shower? (3:49)
VII. STARS AND CONSTELLATIONS
- Students will learn about the basics of stars including the different colors and how stars are born.
- Students will learn about constellations.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – A Blank Page (p. 8),
First Big Book of Space – The Universe (p. 90 – 91),
Stars (p. 92 – 95)
Watch – Why are Stars Different Colors?
Day 2
Read – Indescribable – A Star is Born (p. 116),
First Big Book of Space – Constellations (p. 96 – 97),
The Ultimate Book of Space – The Starry Sky
Watch – Constellations: Connect the Dots in the Sky
Day 3
Read – Mae Among the Stars
Activity – Mae Jemison Coloring Sheet
Day 4
Activity – Constellation Cards
- A Blank Page (p. 8)
- A Star is Born (p. 116)
- The Universe (p. 90 – 91)
- Stars (p. 92 – 95)
- Constellations (p. 96 – 97)
- The Starry Sky
PICTURE BOOKS
VIII. GALAXIES, NEBULA, AND BLACK HOLES
- Students will learn about galaxies, nebula, and black holes, specifically The Milky Way galaxy.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – The Star Counter (p. 30),
First Big Book of Space – Galaxies (p. 98 – 99),
Milky Way (p. 100 – 101),
The Ultimate Book of Space – The Milky Way: Our Galaxy in the Universe
Watch – What is the Milky Way?
Activity – Galaxy Coloring Sheet
Day 2
Read – Indescribable – Astronomical Grace (p. 44),
First Big Book of Space – Nebula (p. 102 – 103),
Black Holes (p. 104 – 105)
Watch – Black Holes
Activity – Black Hole Coloring Sheet
Day 3
Read – Pete the Cat Out of This World
Day 4
Activity – Galaxy Slime
- The Star Counter (p. 30)
- Astronomical Grace (p. 44)
- Galaxies (p. 98 – 99)
- Milky Way (p. 100 – 101)
- Nebula (p. 102 – 103)
- Black Holes (p. 104 – 105)
- The Milky Way: Our Galaxy in the Universe
PICTURE BOOKS
- What is the Milky Way? (5:52)
- Black Holes (3:23)
IX. ROCKETS AND THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)
- Students will learn about rockets of the past and present.
- Students will learn what it’s like to live and work on the International Space Station.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – The Sound of Silence (p. 10),
First Big Book of Space – Rockets (p. 108 – 109),
The Ultimate Book of Space – Rockets of Yesterday and Today
Watch – How Does a Rocket Fly?
Day 2
Read – Indescribable – The Story of the Stars (p. 26),
First Big Book of Space – International Space Station (p. 110 – 111),
The Ultimate Book of Space – Space Travel / The International Space Station
Watch – Take a Tour of the Space Station
Activity – International Space Station Paper Model
Day 3
Read – If I Were an Astronaut,
The Ultimate Book of Space – Launching into Space
Activity – Space Shuttle Coloring Page
Day 4
Activity – Build a Bubble Powered Rocket
- The Sounds of Silence (p. 10)
- The Story of the Stars (p. 26)
- Rockets (p. 108 – 109)
- The International Space Station (p. 110 – 111)
- Rockets of Yesterday and Today
- Space Travel / The International Space Station
- Launching into Space
PICTURE BOOKS
- How Does a Rocket Fly? (6:12)
- Take a Tour of the Space Station (3:23)
X. TELESCOPES AND THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE
- Students will learn about telescopes and the amazing discoveries found in space.
- Students will learn about the Goldilocks Zone and the possibility of living on Mars.
Day 1
Read – Indescribable – The Planner (p. 122),
First Big Book of Space – Telescopes (p. 112 – 115),
Watch – Hubble’s 30th Anniversary Image
View – Awesome 8 Hubble Space Telescope
Day 2
Read – The Boy Whose Head was Filled with Stars
Activity – Make a Telescope
Day 3
Read – First Big Book of Space – Goldilocks Zone (p. 116 – 117),
Living on Mars? (p. 118 – 119)
Watch – What is We Lived on Mars?
Day 4
Read – Indescribable – What Scientists Don’t Know (p. 196)
Activity – Make a Cardboard Rover
- The Planner (p. 122)
- What Scientists Don’t Know (p. 196)
- Telescopes (p. 112 – 115)
- Goldilocks Zone (p. 116 – 117)
- Living on Mars? (p. 118 – 119)
PICTURE BOOKS
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