Earth Studies Unit #1

The Earth-Studies Units is a program designed to study Earth history chronologically, incorporating science studies into the curriculum, for a very well-rounded program. Do not confuse it with a study of man and his civilizations, though we do study those things. This is first and foremost a study of Earth.

The Earth-Studies Units begin at the Big Bang and proceed along the time-line to the present day. Including science-studies, research and experiments, and multi-sensory activities, fleshes out the units so that this course could take several years to complete. And like any unit-study, you can also include art-projects, or any other related project your children are interested in doing. Ideally you would begin this program with your child when he is six or seven, and go through the time-line studying the simpler materials. And then, at eleven or twelve, start all over again; this time going into much more detail, and using more elaborate experiments and projects. In this way, I feel the children will have such a solid foundation in Earth's history and science, that they will have a profound understanding of this planet's ecological systems, and will be better able to live an eco-conscious and sustainable lifestyle.

The resources I list on my Lenses are typically free. Yet, all frugality aside, for a well-rounded unit study in any subject, I believe that you should have, at least one core reference book to work from. And then supplement with books from the library, or--if you are so fortunate--you can always buy those that suit your family's needs.

I have chosen resources at various learning levels, so that you might tailor this program to suit the needs of your family. The activities and experiments should be chosen according to each child's individual interests and skill levels. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

The Big Bang

It is widely accepted theory, that the Universe began with a Big Bang about 14 billion years ago. The Universe was inside a bubble that was thousands of times smaller than a pinhead, then suddenly exploded, and the Universe that we know was born. All of time, space and matter began with the Big Bang. In a fraction of a second, the Universe grew from smaller than a single atom to bigger than a galaxy; and it kept on growing at an amazing rate--it is still expanding, even today.

Use these sites to learn more, and utilize their free text-references for your lessons:

The Big Bang

This is geared directly toward kids, and provided by the European Space Agency.

Cosmic Mystery Tour

This is a wonderful resource that explains what the Big Bang was, and how it is believed to have shaped our universe.

Early Life Thrived in Lava Flows

This article, and it's host site, discusses some of the new discoveries scientists are making that reveal our Earth's fascinating history.

Big Bang

This is from the Kidipede archives.

This segment of the ESU seems like a good place to study Astronomy, our Universe, and the Sun and Planets.

European Space Agency-Kids

This is a great site, with text-references geared toward the elementary students, and lots of interactive stuff for the kids to explore.

Amazing Space

Amazing Space uses the Hubble Space Telescope's discoveries to inspire and educate about the wonders of our universe.

NASA Kids' Club

Lots of interactive space-related games just for the kids: a great supplement to your space-studies.

NASA

Lots of interesting stuff here, articles, media, and educational resources; have a look to see what you might utilize.

Space Place

Another great educational resource, geared toward kids, and provided by NASA. Offers projects, animations, facts, and games. Worth-a-click!

Space Kids

Great space and astronomy web sites for kids of all ages to explore. A 'launch-pad' of great space-sites.

astronomy LINKS

A vast array of astronomy and space-related sites for all ages.

Astronomy in Your Hands

A great resource for hands-on activities for middle-school-aged students.

The Gateway to Astronaut Photography

Hosts the best and most complete on-line collection of astronaut photographs of the Earth.

Astronomy For Kids

This is a great-looking site that offers plenty of reference-resources, free games, and free wallpaper.

HubbleSite

Home of Hubble: lots of resources, links to educational materials.

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