Grade 3 Life Skills: Space – Week 8 Term 3

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Lesson Overview

This comprehensive CAPS-aligned lesson plan covers the Space topic for Grade 3 Life Skills, specifically designed for Week 8 of Term 3. Learners will explore the fascinating world beyond Earth, learning about planets, stars, and space exploration while developing scientific inquiry skills and expanding their understanding of the world around them.

Lesson Plan

Lesson Information

  • Subject: Life Skills
  • Grade: 3
  • Term: 3
  • Week: 8
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Date: September 7, 2025
  • Topic/Theme: Space

Curriculum Alignment

  • CAPS Content Area: Beginning Knowledge (Planet Earth and Beyond)
  • Specific Aims: To guide and prepare learners for life and its possibilities, including equipping learners for meaningful and successful living in a rapidly changing and transforming society
  • Learning Outcomes: Understanding our world and beyond; what it is comprised of through scientific inquiry and investigation

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Identify and name at least 3 planets in our solar system
  • Describe what Earth looks like from space (land, sea, clouds)
  • Explain what stars and planets are in simple terms
  • Understand the concept of space travel and telescopes

Key Vocabulary (Top 5 Most Important Terms)

  1. Planet – A large round object that moves around the sun
  2. Earth – The planet where we live
  3. Space – The area beyond Earth where planets and stars are found
  4. Telescope – A tool used to see things far away in space
  5. Solar system – The sun and all the planets that move around it

Previous Learning

What learners should already know:

  • Day and night concepts
  • The sun provides light and heat
  • Basic understanding of up/down directions

Connection to prior lessons:

  • Builds on weather observations and understanding of the sky
  • Connects to earlier learning about the environment and natural world

Resources and Materials

  • Pictures of planets and Earth from space
  • Simple telescope or magnifying glass
  • Solar system poster or chart
  • Play dough or clay for planet models
  • Flashlight to represent the sun
  • Dark cloth or blanket
  • DBE Workbook pages 26-31
  • Video clips about space (if available)

Lesson Structure

Beginning (Introduction) – 10 minutes

Hook/Attention Grabber:

  • Show learners a picture of Earth from space and ask: “What do you think this is?”
  • Create excitement by dimming lights and using flashlight to create “space” atmosphere

Introduction Activities:

  • Circle time discussion: “What do you see when you look up at the sky during the day? At night?”
  • Introduce the lesson by explaining we’ll be learning about space and what’s beyond our Earth

Middle (Main Lesson Activities) – 40 minutes

Direct Instruction:

  • Show pictures of Earth from space, explaining what the blue (water), green/brown (land), and white (clouds) parts are
  • Introduce the concept that Earth is one of many planets that move around the sun
  • Explain what stars are (like our sun, but very far away) and what planets are
  • Name some planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
  • Discuss telescopes as tools scientists use to see far into space
  • Talk about space travel and astronauts

Guided Practice:

  • Use flashlight as “sun” and learners as “planets” moving around it
  • Look through magnifying glass/telescope to observe distant objects in classroom
  • Identify different parts of Earth from space pictures together
  • Practice naming planets using memory tricks (songs or rhymes)

Independent Practice:

  • Learners create their own planet using play dough, describing what color and size it would be
  • Complete worksheet matching planet names to pictures
  • Draw and label a picture showing Earth from space with land, sea, and clouds
  • Small group activity: arrange planet cards in order from the sun

End (Conclusion) – 10 minutes

Consolidation Activity:

  • Review the key concepts: What is space? What are planets? What does Earth look like from space?
  • Play “Space Quiz” – learners answer questions about what they learned

Exit Ticket/Quick Assessment:

  • Each learner draws one thing they learned about space and shares with a partner
  • Quick verbal check: “Name one planet” or “What tool helps us see space?”

Assessment and Checks for Understanding

Formative Assessment:

  • Observe learners during discussions for understanding of space concepts
  • Check completion of planet modeling activity for creativity and understanding
  • Listen to peer conversations during group work for vocabulary use

Summative Assessment:

  • DBE Workbook pages 26-31 completion
  • Space drawing showing Earth from space with correct labels
  • Participation in planet movement demonstration

Success Criteria:

  • Learners can name at least 2 planets besides Earth
  • Learners can describe what Earth looks like from space
  • Learners understand that space is where planets and stars are found
  • Learners can explain what a telescope is used for

Differentiation Strategies

For learners who need support:

  • Use visual aids and concrete examples (play dough planets)
  • Pair with a buddy for activities
  • Provide picture cards with planet names for matching activities
  • Allow extra time for drawing and coloring activities

For advanced learners:

  • Ask them to research and share additional facts about space
  • Have them create a story about traveling to another planet
  • Encourage them to explain space concepts to struggling peers
  • Challenge them to create their own solar system model

For learners with barriers to learning:

  • Use simple, clear language and repeat key concepts frequently
  • Provide hands-on activities with different textures and sizes
  • Allow alternative ways to show understanding (pointing, gesturing)
  • Use visual supports and real objects rather than abstract concepts

Homework/Extension Activities

  • Look at the night sky with family members and try to spot stars
  • Ask family members what they know about space and planets
  • Draw a picture of what you think it would be like to travel in space
  • Collect pictures of space from magazines or newspapers

Additional Resources

  • DBE Workbook Grade 3 Life Skills pages 26-31
  • NASA educational resources for children
  • Simple space-themed songs and rhymes
  • Local planetarium or science museum information (if available)

Teacher Notes

Implementation Tips:

  • This lesson aligns with the official Department of Basic Education Annual Teaching Plan for Week 8, Term 3
  • Encourage learners to ask questions and share their own observations about the sky
  • Use the opportunity to discuss South African contributions to space science
  • Consider inviting a guest speaker from a local science center if available
  • Safety note: Always remind learners never to look directly at the sun, even through telescopes

Cross-curricular Links:

  • Mathematics: Counting planets, understanding size comparisons
  • Languages: New vocabulary development, descriptive writing
  • Creative Arts: Drawing and modeling planets

Assessment Rubric:

  • Developing (1): Can name Earth as a planet
  • Adequate (2): Can name 2-3 planets and describe Earth from space
  • Outstanding (3): Can name multiple planets, explain space concepts clearly, and demonstrate understanding through creative activities