A sense of wonder

For the last several weeks, my class has been learning about the Solar System and how we fit into it. We've been using the FOSS science kits, which are exploration-based and are very good. The "Sun, Moon, and Stars" unit starts by observing how the sun "moves" across the sky from East to West. Students used compasses to find East and West and traced their shadows throughout the day while standing on the line. Back in the classroom, we used a globe with a slightly raised piece of tape symbolizing a person and the overhead projector to observe the same phenomenon and to explain and visualize that it is the Earth that is actually moving, and not the sun. We have also read several books on the Sun and the planets.

During one of these Read Alouds, while looking at a picture of the Solar System, and pointing out the blue and green ball that symbolized Earth, L raised his hand. "But, how... I mean... How did we get on that ball??" he asked incredulously. He seemed to be grappling with the immense concept that we live on a gigantic sphere, perpetually spinning around in a vast emptiness. At that moment, I was reminded of how amazing it all really is and let him know so. It's easy to walk past the things in our world that happen every day and forget how fascinating they really are. I feel lucky to work with children and to be constantly inspired by their raw sense of wonder.