Yr5 Workshop in line with the National Curriculum

Welcome to "A Solar System Adventure," a workshop tailored for primary school pupils according to the Key Stage 2 curriculum. This engaging journey is designed to explore the wonders of our solar system, focusing on Earth, Moon, and the Sun. As the young learners navigate through this celestial exploration, they will understand the phenomena of day and night, and solidify the order of the planets in their minds. The workshop includes a unique takeaway of specially designed planet cards for each pupil to reinforce the learning.

Objectives:

• To explain the movement of the Earth and other planets relative to the Sun.
• To explain the Moon's movement around Earth.
• To identify the Sun, Earth and Moon as spherical bodies.
• To elucidate the concept of day and night through Earth's rotation.
• To reinforce the order of the planets in our solar system through practical and engaging methods.
  
  

Workshop Outline:

First Session: Suggested 9.00am to 10.30am
Activity: Intro and Solar System Scale Model
Description:

• A short, interactive introduction from our presenter on the solar system and a run down of the planned activities
• Creation of a scaled-down model of the solar system using model planets and a bright light source to represent the Sun
• Discussion and demonstration of the movements of planets around the Sun, highlighting Earth’s orbit and rotation
• An interactive session where pupils are asked to arrange the planets in order, reinforcing their knowledge about the order of planets

Break

Second Session: Suggested 10:45 – Midday
Activity: The Movement of the Moon
Description:

• Discussion and demonstration on how the Moon orbits the Earth, with physical demonstration
• Explanation of lunar phases using engaging visuals
• A hands on activity where pupils recreate the movement of the Moon around the Earth

Lunch Break: 12:00 - 13:00

Third Session: Suggested 13:00 – 14:15
Activity: Spheres in Space & Day and Night
Description:

• Exploration of the sphericity of the Sun, Earth and Moon using a sand demonstration
• Discussion on how this spherical shape affects their movement and interaction within the solar system
• Interactive discussion on Earth's rotation and how it leads to the phenomenon of day and night

Fourth Session: Suggested 14:15 – End of Day
Activity: Planetary Parade and Recap Quiz
Description:

• Distribution of specially designed 'planet cards' to each pupil which illustrates the order of the planets in our solar system
• A recap quiz to test pupils' understanding of the solar system, order of the planets and the day-night cycle
• Pupils are encouraged to take their 'planet cards' home to reinforce their learning
  
  

Materials Supplied:

• Plush planet models
• Bright light source
• Pupil assembly orrery model of the Earth, Moon and Sun
• 'Plan8' specialist planet card set for each pupil to keep
• Visual aids such as videos, animations and demonstrations
• TAS workshop completion certificates for each pupil (to follow by email)
• A TAS star pupil of the day who will win a goodie bag.
  
  

Evaluation:
The success of the workshop will be evaluated through the recap quiz and the active participation of the pupils during the interactive sessions. The aim is to ensure that each pupil has a reinforced understanding of the solar system, particularly the order of planets, and the key astronomical phenomena as per the curriculum guidelines.