Page Turner

Occasionally, in this digital world we live in, it's nice to be able to open a book, feel the weight of a paper, stare deeply at a glossy photo and lose yourself in a book. I've selected a book that I feel captures the wonder of space and also captivates the reader.

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Cars on Mars: Roving the Red Planet

Before Curiosity landed on Mars, two of its smaller cousins had already been busy at work for years. Cars on Mars follows the history and mission of Spirit and Opportunity, twin robots that were sent to explore Mars. In the book you'll discover how scientists discovered that there was once water on Mars and how they managed to keep the robots running for years past their life expectancy.

Author Alexandra Sly explains the amazing findings that the two rovers have sent back to Earth and how through luck, and skill, they've survived dust, storms and Martian winters. The book also features large, labeled illustrations that identify the tools and gear on the robots, as well as photos and artist's conceptions of the Martian landscape.

This book is interesting, beautiful to look at and kid-friendly. If you love space, exploration or have been captivated by the adventures of Curiosity, pick up this book and travel along on the amazing journey of Spirt and Opportunity.

Check out the book at your local library or you can find it online here.

Sly, A. (2011). Cars on mars: Roving the red planet. Charlesbridge Publishing.

Size of Stars

Ever wonder how big stars are? Check out the video below, which compares 'big' objects like our moon to the largest known stars in the universe. The video starts with the moon and gradually moves through larger and larger celestial objects. You'll be amazed when the video gets to the Sun, but you'll be even more blown away when the video continues further!

Star size comparison hd [Web]. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEheh1BH34Q&feature=player_embedded

You'll be writing a brief response to the video. What amazed you? How did this video change your thinking about the size of celestial objects? How does it make you feel that there are such enormous objects out in space, compared to the size of Earth?

Curiosity News

Remember back to the beginning of the year. We learned that the Mars rover Curiosity had just landed on Mars and that it's mission was to travel around the martian surface testing rocks. Well, Curiosity just moved one step further in it's mission.

After making it's longest trip ever, Curiosity reached out with it's robotic arm and 'touched' a Martian rock. We'll be using this article in class to continue our 'Robot Research.'

Read the rest of the article on this amazing robot here or use the link below...

http://www.space.com/17744-mars-rover-curiosity-touches-rock-jake.html

Space Websites

To help you in our exploration of Space, I've found some safe, kid-friendly sites for you to explore. Some contain helpful information, other's have interesting facts and some are just for fun!

NASA Kids' Club 
This site is a collection of games to help test your Space knowledge.


Astronomy for Kids
Have you wondered how big the Universe is? Or maybe you're interested in the future of space exploration? Head over to this site to get those answers! The site is filled with in-depth, interesting information plus loads of fun space-themed games. I especially like the 'Solar System' section. When you first click the link, you'll be able to see our solar system and watch each of the planets revolve around the Sun at their different speeds. Go ever further by clicking on a planet to learn more about it!


Space for Kids
If you're like Mr. Carroll, you love to learn lots of new facts. If that's the case try this site, which has dozens of Space topics. Each topic has loads of cool facts. For example: "The Sun’s core is around 13,600,000 degrees Celsius!" These fun facts can make for an excellent resource when we write short paragraphs about the different celestial bodies.

Hello World

Hello 6th Graders!

This blog will help provide research material as we delve into the study of Space. I'll be posting articles, videos and websites that will help expand our knowledge or are just plain amazing.