Exploring the World of Science

10 Fifteen- Minute Programs
Grade Level: 2-3
Curriculum Area: Science: Space

Man studies the universe to learn more about himself; Knowledge of the universe is important for space travel; An astronomer is a scientist who studies the universe; An observatory is a place where astronomers study the universe; A telescope is used to study planets, stars, the moon, and other objects in the sky; NASA has put telescopes and observatories into orbit above our atmosphere to study our universe; Spacecraft such as Pioneer, Voyager I and II, and Magellan are used to help collect information about our universe.

This series encourages viewers to observe, grasp concepts, and draw conclusions on their own. The programs are designed to inspire learning, arouse curiosity, and encourage viewers to think in a scientific way as they explore topics related to our universe and the solar system.

Teacher Guide: 8 pages; includes follow-up activities, vocabulary, references, and textbook correlations.

Programs 

1. The Observatory    (14:00)
Students learn why man has long studied the Universe.

2. Our Solar System   ( 14:00)
Our solar system consists of our sun, nine planets, and other bodies that revolve around it.

3. The Sun   ( 13:57)
Presents our sun as a star that provides us with heat and light.

4. Planets   ( 13:54)
Presents the nine planets in our solar system and their size, speed, atmosphere characteristics, and distance from the sun.

5. The Moon   ( 12:24)
Viewers learn about the moon, our nearest heavenly body.

6. Satellites    ( 13:59)
Manmade satellites are put into orbit by rockets to teach us more about weather conditions. Others transmit radio and TV signals.

7. Stars     ( 14:15)
Describes the characteristics of the stars.

8. Rockets     ( 14:08)
Viewers learn how rockets work and the role rockets play in space exploration.

9. Astronauts    ( 13:56)
Astronauts and their training for space travel are presented.

10. Space Exploration  ( 13:38)
Viewers learn about some of the past and future explorations in space.

Western Instructional Television