Space unit#2: Galaxies

For our next activity about the Space, we explored the galaxies. Very fun and artistic moment!

Part II. Galaxies

First, Galaxies are the basic unit of cosmology. They contain stars, gas, dust and dark matter. They are the only `signposts' from here to the edge of the Universe. Galaxies appeared and as they collided, stars of great energy were born.

Our own galaxy is the Milky Way and has a hundred billion stars. The sun is only one of them.

Our galaxy is not a typical galaxy - only spiral galaxies are rich in the metals our kind of life needs.

When we look up in the sky we see millions of stars, but every star we can see is in our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Even the stars of our own galaxy are so far apart that it takes the light of some stars millions of years to reach us. The stars stretch out to fill the whole space of our universe.

Language:

• Galaxy: A group of stars, gas and dust held together by gravity.
  • Galaxy classification according to their apparent shape: (see chart and Venn-diagram from the links below)
• Types of galaxies cards from here. Read more about galaxies here. And for more great information about galaxies, their formation and stars go here. 
• Elliptical
• Spiral
• Irregular

Books: We read different books from the library and others we had at home

Art activities:

• Galaxies mobile: Idea from here.

• Galactic swirls
  • Materials: paints and brushes, glue, glitter glue, black construction paper, sequins, wire, gold paint, silver poster board, white pencil crayon.
  • Procedures: on the black construction paper draw several spheres with a white pencil. On another piece of paper draw spirals. Paint and decorate with glitter glue, sequins and wire. Mount on silver poster board.

    Our final product!

• Paper plates types of galaxies: we got this idea from here and then, after the paint dried, I cut them into the types of galaxies shape: elliptical, spiral (2 types) and irregular. I think we could these as freebies to play.

Science:

• Spirals
  • Purpose: to demonstrate the movement of a spiral galaxy
  • Materials: white paper, paper hole punch, a jar with water, pencil
  • Procedure: Fill the jar ¾ of water, cut around 20 circles from the paper with the hole punch, sprinkle the paper in the water, stir with a circular motion with the pencil, view the water from the top and sides.
  • Results: the paper circles swirl around forming a spiral shape in the center.
  • Explanation: the spinning paper only simulates the spiral movement and concentration of material of a star-studded spiral galaxy like the Milky Way.

• Big bang theory- expanding

• Purpose: To demonstrate how galaxies may be moving
• Materials: Pink balloon, black sharpie, mirror.
• Procedure: Inflate the balloon so that it is about as large as an apple. Make about 20 dots with the sharpie. Inflate the balloon in front of a mirror (or stand in front of your mommy if she is the one inflating the balloon) to see the dots.
• Results: the dots move away from each other.
• Explanation: Astronomers believe the galaxies are moving away from each other. Since no two galaxies seem to be getting closer as they move, scientists believe the universe is expanding. Big Bang Theory, currently accepted explanation of the beginning of the universe. The big bang theory proposes that the universe was once extremely compact, dense, and hot. Some original event, a cosmic explosion called the big bang, occurred about 13.7 billion years ago, and the universe has since been expanding and cooling.

 

Drawing the dots! A sharpie would be better than a regular market! But I couldn’t find mine!

She tried really HARD!!!

Checking out the dots (galaxies)!

 

We will be trying to continue our Space study and will post our third part of the unit as soon as I get the chance to put it together! After moving out-of-state, trying to adapt to the new place and getting to meet new friends, my time is kind of tight. However, I will try to post before the end of the year……lol

Have a great summer…..keep reading, learning and having fun in the process!!!

• Other links of interest:
  • Check our first post about The Universe Unit study  for a more complete list of resources.
  • Mama of many blessings Montessori inspired Galaxies unit here.
  • Check our Pinterest board: planets, Space for plenty of more activities.

 

Linking to: