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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Astronomy and Me: Moons Over New Haven

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders study the features of different moons orbiting the planets. In this astronomy instructional activity, 3rd graders explore the different phases of the moon using an interactive online website. They compare and contrast the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Space Cadet's Laboratory: Using Electromagnetic Energy to Study Astronomy

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students build their own spectrophotometer to study light. In this physics lesson, students explain the dual nature of light. They calculate the angle of incidence and refraction using Snell's law equation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Probing Below the Surface of Mars

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students simulate the search for water in Mars using simple apparatus. In this space science lesson, students explain how soil temperature affects the cooling of probes. They graph the data collected from the simulation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Impact Craters: Holes in the Ground!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers simulate crater formation through a lab activity. In this space science lesson, students calculate how much energy is transferred during meteorite impact. They identify different factors affecting the size and depth of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Comet in the Classroom

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students study comets and how Halley's comet was created.  For this space lesson students create their own comets using dry ice.    
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Strange New Planet

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students simulate different spacecraft missions using materials provided. In this space science lesson plan, students observe and record a planetary model's features from a distance. They relate this activity to scientists' space...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Searching for Life on Mars

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students describe the environmental conditions in Mars. In this space science lesson, students draw a Martian critter based on a fictional story read to them. They identify the special features an organism must have to survive in Mars.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the solar cycle through a series of experiments. In this space science lesson, students construct and evaluate solar cycle graphs. They explain how this phenomenon affects the Earth.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Size and Shape

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students observe different substances under the microscope. In this space science lesson, students identify the different features of SEM images. They formulate a conclusion about the images of Mars meteorites.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make a Comet Model and Eat It!

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students construct a comet model based on procedure provided. In this space science instructional activity, students compare the physical properties of comets to the models they made. They record their observations and share them with...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Searching for Meteorites

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Young scholars examine meteorites and attempt to recover meteorite fragments.  In this space lesson plan students complete a demonstration on the impact of a meteorite using water balloons and make experimental predictions.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rover Races

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students identify the challenges encountered by astronauts in operating a planetary rover. In this space science lesson, students create a rover using their team members. They follow a command sequence from the driver and navigate...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Meteorites

For Teachers 1st - 11th
Students model how meteors fall to the surface of planets. In this space science lesson plan, students identify different types of meteorites using an interactive online website. They investigate the relationship between a meteorite's...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reflect on this Mote of Dust

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore space science by analyzing a speech by Carl Sagan. In this cosmos lesson, students view an online video of a speck of a "pale blue dot" in the distance of space which turns out to be Earth. Students write an essay...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living On The Moon

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars evaluate what life would be like living on the moon or another planet in our solar system.  In this science lesson, students create a colony that they would use to live in on the moon using Legos. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extraterrestrials

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss the possibility of intelligent life in space. In this space science lesson plan, students decipher a radio message electronically transmitted in space. They create their own extraterrestrial welcome greeting.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements of Physics: Motion, Force and Gravity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about different human space explorations conducted by NASA. In this physical science lesson, students discuss why space exploration is important. They write a paper about their thoughts on continuing NASA's space...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Space Travel

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the unique environment of the moon and Mars. In this space science lesson, students design a city located in the outer space. They create a computer aided design, models or drawings of their cities and share them with the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Planetary Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about the search for life in Mars. In this space science lesson, students develop a creative visual display of their findings. They present their project in class.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploration of Mars

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore the three-phase strategy used by NASA for scientific exploration. In this space science lesson, students research past missions to Mars. They share their discoveries and create a timeline as a class.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Lab

For Students 7th
In this space science worksheet, 7th graders use the star circles given but the teacher to complete 14 short answer questions. They plot the stars on the graph.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Getting to Know Saturn: Moons, Rings, and Relationships

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars identify the different objects that orbit Saturn. In this space science lesson, students plot the graph of orbital speed and distance. They explain why planets and asteroids remain in orbit around the sun.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Earth, Sun, Moon, And Stars

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the solar system. In this solar system unit, 5th graders investigate numerous projects while rotating through learning centers. Students write about space and construct a space shuttle model. Students practice map...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Explorative Journey Through the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore space science by creating a planetary model in class. In this solar system lesson, students identify the many planets and moons that make up the solar system and decide on one entity in which to research. Students create...