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1st Grade  Project 4 weeks

CKLA Knowledge Quest: First Grade Adventure

IRMA N
Jan 18, 2026
Updated Jan 19, 2026
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.10
1-ESS1-1
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Purpose

This project aims to spark curiosity and engagement in young learners as they explore the essential role of the sun and the fascinating structure of our solar system. Through hands-on activities, they will gain a deeper understanding of astronomy by creating models, conducting experiments, and reflecting on the importance of celestial bodies in everyday life. The collaborative projects foster a sense of discovery and encourage students to articulate their newfound knowledge and observations both individually and as part of a classroom community.

Learning goals

Students will deepen their understanding of the sun's vital role in supporting life on Earth by engaging in hands-on activities and experiments. They will explore astronomy concepts by constructing solar system models, thereby grasping the relative size and distance of planets. Throughout the project, learners will develop skills in observation, model building, creativity, and communication as they capture their reflections and present their learnings. The experience promotes both scientific inquiry and artistic expression, allowing students to actively engage with astronomical content and socio-emotional growth.

Products

Throughout the astronomy unit, students will craft individual informative sun hats that highlight facts and images about the sun's crucial role in Earth's ecosystem. During the project, they will also collaboratively design and compile a class astronomy booklet filled with planetary facts they discover. These products will serve as interactive learning tools and souvenirs for sharing their newfound knowledge during the 'Astronomy Adventure Fair.'

Launch

To kick off the Astronomy unit, engage students with a 'Solar Science Discovery Trip' where they create and wear sun hats adorned with interesting sun facts and images. During this activity, students will construct solar bracelets that change colors under sunlight, exemplifying the sun’s impact on everyday materials. As they observe the changes, students will initiate discussions on how the sun influences the earth, setting the stage for their exploration over the next four weeks.

Exhibition

Students will host an 'Astronomy Adventure Fair,' transforming their classroom into an interactive learning zone. Each student becomes a station leader, guiding guests through their solar system models and demonstrating the color-changing solar bracelets experiment. Visitors will receive student-created astronomy booklets, filled with insightful facts and drawings, as a memorable takeaway from the event.

Plan
By Phase By Day Calendar
Question Research Create Share Reflect Act/Apply
Question
Students will explore and observe the sun’s role in Earth's ecosystem, formulating questions about its effects and importance, which will guide future investigations in the project.
Days 1 - 2
85 min over capacity (90 min available across 2 days)
Solar Science Discovery Trip
Launch 45m
Exploring Sun and Planet Facts
Activity 30m
Solar Science Discovery Trip
Launch 30m
Sun and Plant Connection Discussion
Activity 30m
Exploring Planets Through Visuals
Activity 40m
Sun and Planets Exploration Journal
Assessment
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Research
Students will explore a variety of books, videos, and online resources about the sun and planets, conduct simple observations outside, and collaboratively gather data that will help them create their solar system model and inform their sun hat designs.
Days 3 - 4
Sun Bracelet Exploration
Activity 30m
Peer-Sun Interview Setup
Activity 30m
Solar Effects Observation Journal
Assessment
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Create
Students will collaboratively create models of the solar system using everyday materials, synthesizing their research into a tangible representation that demonstrates the sun's position and significance relative to other celestial bodies, building on their investigation and preparing for the upcoming share phase.
Days 5 - 6
Introduction to Solar System Model-Making
Launch 20m
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

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Share
Students will present their sun experiment findings and share solar system models in small group rotations, actively discussing their insights and incorporating peer feedback to refine their understanding of astronomy concepts.
Days 7 - 8
Gallery Walk & Collaborative Discussion
Activity 40m
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

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Reflect
Students will use their reflective journals and shared KWL charts to examine and discuss their insights about astronomy, evaluate what they learned about the sun and its significance, identify areas for improvement or new curiosity, and collaboratively define unexpected outcomes to prepare for the Act/Apply phase.
Days 9 - 10
30 min over capacity (90 min available across 2 days)
Reflective Journaling and KWL Chart Review
Activity 30m
Collaborative Sun Hat and Model Evaluation
Deliverable 45m
Gallery Walk of Final Products
Activity 45m
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

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Act/Apply
Students will apply their understanding of the sun's role in Earth's ecosystem by creating informative sun hats with peer collaboration, wearing them to demonstrate their knowledge during the Astronomy Adventure Fair as a real-world exhibition of their learning.
Days 11 - 12
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

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Question Days 1–2
Day 1
Solar Science Discovery Trip
Launch 45m
Exploring Sun and Planet Facts
Activity 30m
Solar Science Discovery Trip
Launch 30m
Sun and Plant Connection Discussion
Activity 30m
Exploring Planets Through Visuals
Activity 40m
Day 2
Sun and Planets Exploration Journal
Assessment
Research Days 3–4
Day 3
Sun Bracelet Exploration
Activity 30m
Peer-Sun Interview Setup
Activity 30m
Day 4
Solar Effects Observation Journal
Assessment
Create Days 5–6
Day 5
Introduction to Solar System Model-Making
Launch 20m
Day 6
Share Days 7–8
Day 7
Gallery Walk & Collaborative Discussion
Activity 40m
Day 8
Reflect Days 9–10
Day 9
Reflective Journaling and KWL Chart Review
Activity 30m
Collaborative Sun Hat and Model Evaluation
Deliverable 45m
Gallery Walk of Final Products
Activity 45m
Day 10
Act/Apply Days 11–12
Day 11
Day 12

May 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
4 Day 1
Question
Solar Science Discovery Trip
Exploring Sun and Planet Facts
Solar Science Discovery Trip
Sun and Plant Connection Discussion
Exploring Planets Through Visuals
5 Day 2
Sun and Planets Exploration Journal
6 Day 3
Research
Sun Bracelet Exploration
Peer-Sun Interview Setup
11 Day 4
Solar Effects Observation Journal
12 Day 5
Create
Introduction to Solar System Model-Making
13 Day 6
18 Day 7
Share
Gallery Walk & Collaborative Discussion
19 Day 8
20 Day 9
Reflect
Reflective Journaling and KWL Chart Review
Collaborative Sun Hat and Model Evaluation
Gallery Walk of Final Products
25 Day 10
26 Day 11
Act/Apply
27 Day 12
Share
Activities
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