State of Maine Learning Results Guiding Principles

The lessons in the Cosmic Classroom Guide, in combination with Our Sky Family, will help students to work towards some of the Guiding Principles set forth by the State of Maine Learning Results. By the simple act of visiting the planetarium, students of all ages open an avenue for self-directed lifelong learning. A field trip encourages students to think about learning from all environments including those beyond the school yard. A Jordan Planetarium visit also introduces visitors to the campus of the largest post-secondary school in Maine and encourages them to think of this as a place which holds opportunities for their future education, enjoyment and success.

Other sites on the University campus, including three museums, explore a variety of subjects, and the Visitors Center is always willing to arrange tours of the campus. A field trip can contribute to many different disciplines of the school curriculum and demonstrate that science is not separate from art, from mathematics, from history, etc. The world is not segregated into neat little boxes with labels such as social studies and science. A field trip is an opportunity for learning in an interdisciplinary setting, to bring it all together and to start the process of thinking. For a more complete discussion of field trips, please visit the Jordan Planetarium web site. If used in its entirety and accompanied by the Planetarium visit this guide will help students to:

Become a clear and effective communicator through
A. oral expression such as class discussions, and written presentations
B. listening to classmates while doing group work, cooperation, and keeping records.

Become a self-directed and life long learner by
A. introducing students to career and educational opportunities at the University of Maine and the Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium.
B. encouraging students to go further into the study of the subject at hand, and explore the question of “what if?”
C. giving students a chance to use a variety of resources for gathering information

Become a creative and practical problem solver by
A. asking students to observe phenomena and problems, and present solutions
B. urging students to ask extending questions and find answers to those questions
C. developing and applying problem solving techniques
D. encouraging alternative outcomes and solutions to presented problems

Become a collaborative and quality worker through
A. an understanding of the teamwork necessary to complete tasks
B. applying that understanding and working effectively in their assigned groups
C. demonstrating a concern for the quality and accuracy needed to complete an activity

Become an integrative and informed thinker by
A. applying concepts learned in one subject area to solve problems and answer questions in another
B. participating in class discussion

State of Maine Learning Results Performance Indicators

In conjunction with the Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium show Our Sky Family this guide will help you meet the following State of Maine Learning Results Performance Indicators in you classroom. For the complete State of Maine Learning Results Publication on-line, please visit http://www.state.me.us/education/lres/lres.htm

Grades Pre. K-2
Science and Technology

E. Structure of Matter
#1. Show that large things are made up of smaller pieces.

#2. Describe some physical properties of an object.

G. Universe
#1. Explain the cycles of day/night and of seasons.

#3. Demonstrate an understanding that the Sun is a star and is the closest star to Earth.

H. Energy
#1. Demonstrate an understanding that the Sun gives off light and heat energy.

M. Implications of Science and Technology
#4. Demonstrate some practices for recycling and care of resources.

Career Preparation

D. Balancing Responsibilities
#3. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the conservation of resources.

Social Studies - Geography

A. Skills and Tools
#1. Use and construct maps and other visuals to describe location, direction, size, and shape.

Visual and Performing Arts

A. Creating Expression
#2. Experiment with art forms.

#10. Demonstrate ways in which the arts can be used in interdisciplinary activities.

Grades 3-4
Science and Technology

G. Universe
#1. Illustrate the relative positions of the Sun, moon, and planets.

#2. Trace the sources of Earth's heat and light energy to the Sun.

M. Implications of Science and Technology
#2. "Investigate and describe the role of scientists and inventors.

#4. Explain practices for conservation in daily life, based on a recognition that renewable and non-renewable resources have limits.

English Language Arts

B. Literature and Culture
#3. Respond to speakers in a variety of ways (e.g., listening attentively, responding politely).