Design a Planetary School! Focus on Empathy, Teamwork, & Innovation!

Ready to take your students on an intergalactic SEL adventure?

In this hands-on, project-based unit, students become galactic architects collaboratively designing a school on a brand-new planet. Along the way, they’ll explore core social-emotional learning concepts like empathy, community-building, creativity, and problem-solving.

This unit is perfect for upper elementary students who thrive on imagination, collaboration, and real-world connection. It includes everything you need for 5 engaging, standards-aligned lessons and no prep required!

What’s Included in the Galactic Explorer School Mini Unit:

✔️ 5 Connected, Themed SEL Lessons – Each with step-by-step teacher instructions – Project builds across the lessons for deep engagement

✔️ Printable Worksheets & Planning Tools – School planning templates, group organizers, reflection pages & more

✔️ Introductory Video to Launch the Unit – Sparks imagination and sets the tone for collaborative world-building

✔️ Modifications & Extensions for Every Lesson – Supports diverse learning needs and includes creative expansion options

✔️ Parent Letter – Explains unit goals + at-home extension ideas for family engagement

Learning Goals for Students

Students will:

– Collaboratively design an inclusive school for a fictional planet – Practice empathy, critical thinking, and teamwork – Develop creative solutions for unique student populations – Reflect on what makes a school environment safe, engaging, and growth-focused – Present their final designs in a group showcase format

Perfect for:

✔️ Morning meeting SEL blocks

✔️ Project-based learning weeks

✔️ Counselor or enrichment time

✔️ End-of-year or back-to-school collaborative units

Bring curiosity, creativity, and compassion to life, one planet at a time.

Your students won’t just imagine a school… they’ll design one that belongs to everyone.