Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) Space Science Sequence: Teaching Space Science Concepts to Elementary School Students
Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) Space Science Sequence is an instructional curriculum for grades 3-5 that covers fundamental concepts, including planetary sizes and distance, the Earth's shape and movement, gravity, and moon phases and eclipses. The sequence utilizes models, hands-on investigations, peer-to-peer discussions, reflection, and informational student readings. Students complete four units, each lasting between four and nine sessions. Each unit builds upon knowledge from previous units and can be used independently or in conjunction with one another for an overall learning progression. The curriculum comes with a teacher's guide, a materials kit, and master copies for duplication or electronic presentation. Teachers are provided with ongoing training and support through more than 60 GEMS network sites and centers.
