Great Explorations in Math and Science® (GEMS®) Space Science Sequence

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 curriculum uses the solar system as the focal point for learning through models, hands-on investigations, peer-to-peer discussions, reflection, and informational student readings. Students complete four units over 24 sixty-minute class sessions, 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. Teachers receive four days of preservice professional development before the school year, a three-hour follow-up training before curriculum implementation, and access to a science coach midway through teaching the unit.