Planets with a Plan
A Thematic Unit for Grade Seven

Outline of Lessons

Day 1:
 Introductory Lesson

Day 2:
 Science/Math: Exploring the Planets
 Language Arts: Exploring “Science Fiction” Literature
 Bible: The Biblical Creation Account
 Art: Planning the Mural Project
 Social Studies: History of Early Astronomers

Day 3:
 Physical Education: Preparing to Enter Space: Diet and Personal Fitness
 Language Arts: Exploring “Science Fiction” Literature – Student Presentations
 Art: Mural Project
 Bible: Compare and Contrast Creation Accounts from Mythology to the Biblical Creation Account
 Social Studies: Early Astronomers

Day 4:
 Science/Math: The Sun – Measuring Shadows and Viewing the Sun
 Language Arts: Vocabulary; Student Presentations
 Social Studies: Space Race Introduction
 Bible: Comparing Creation Stories
 Music: “The Planets” by Gustaf Holst

Day 5:
 Science: An Introduction to Stars, Constellations, and Sky Maps
 Social Studies: The Space Race
 Art: Mural Project
 Physical Education: Developing a Personal Fitness Program
 Bible: Attributes of God Made Evident in Creation
 Language Arts: Introduction to Creative Writing Projects

Day 6:
 Science: Team Research Projects – Black Holes, Weightlessness, Orbits and Gravity, Phases of the Moon
 Language Arts/Music: Introduction to Writing a Drama (in conjunction with “The Planets,” by Gustaf Holst); Music Composition Project
 Math: My Weight on Another Planet (may include graphing)
 Bible: Attributes of God Made Evident in Creation
 Social Studies: Introduction to Relief Map Project

Day 7:
 Science: Team Research Project
 Language Arts/Music: Writing a Drama; Music Composition Project
 Bible: The Purpose of Creation
 Math: Graphing (continued from Day 6)
 Social Studies: Relief Map Project

Day 8:
 Science: Team Research Project Presentations
 Language Arts/Music: Writing a Drama; Music Composition Project
 Social Studies: Relief Map Project
 Art: Mural Project
 Bible: Astrology

Day 9:
 Science: Planetarium Trip and Follow-Up Session
 Language Arts/Music: Practicing Dramas; Music Composition
 Art: Mural Project
 Physical Education: Tracking Your Progress in a Personal Fitness Program
 Bible: Creation and Our Creator
 Social Studies: Relief Map Project
 [Science: Evening Sky-Viewing Session – A Close-Up Look at the Planets and Stars]

Day 10:
Closing Lesson

(Days 11-15, if necessary)
 Art: Finish and Dedicate Mural
 Language Arts/Music: Presentation of Dramas and Music Composition Projects