Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biography of a Star: Our Sun's Birth, Life, and Death

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how astronomers use parallax to determine the distances of stars in the Sun's neighborhood. They construct a pinhole protractor, and measure angles and calculate distances.
Lesson Plan
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Picture an Astronomer

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create a drawing of what an astronomer looks like. They explore their own assumptions of those who work in the sciences.
Worksheet
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Space Shuttle Mission STS-128

For Students 6th - 9th
In this space science learning exercise, learners read about the space shuttle mission and answer 6 short answer questions about life of astronauts in space stations.
Lesson Plan
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Constellations

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create their own constellations using pin holes and black paper. In this space science lesson, 5th graders write a story about their constellation. They share their project with the class.
Lesson Plan
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Distance Makes a Difference

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners create a clay model of the Sun and Earth. In this space science lesson, students explain how distance affects the appearance of objects. They write a poem or riddle about the Sun in their journal.
Lesson Plan
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Earth Science Astronomy Unit: Seasons on Earth

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders describe how the Earth's position causes seasonal changes. In this astronomy lesson plan, 8th graders explain how solar radiation varies depending on the season. They create a collage or poster on each of the Earth's four...
Lesson Plan
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Why is There a Tidal Bulge Opposite the Moon?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars simulate how the Moon causes ocean tides. In this earth science lesson, students calculate gravitational acceleration using a mathematical formula. They compare the force of attraction between the Earth, Moon and Sun system.
Lesson Plan
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The Moon

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners design and build an ideal lunar settlement. In this astronomy lesson, students identify the key features of the moon. They compare its environmental condition with the Earth's.
Lesson Plan
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Solar System Bead Distance Activity

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers create a scaled solar system model using colorful beads. In this space science activity, students convert AU units into metric measurements. They arrange the planets according to their distances from the sun.
Lesson Plan
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Black Holes

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore what black holes are and how gravity is associated with them.  In this space lesson students are given enough information to imagine a journey to a black hole. 
Lesson Plan
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Radio Astronomy and Radio Telescope

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students construct a simple radio telescope. In this astronomy lesson, students explain how this telescope works and what information it collects.
Worksheet
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Black Holes... What's inside IX

For Students 11th - Higher Ed
In this space science worksheet, students solve 7 problems related to black hole space and time. They answer questions related to the spacetime dimension.
Lesson Plan
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Observational Astronomy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research about the characteristics of celestial bodies using a database. In this space science lesson, students collect data such as brightness, apparent color and size by observing the night sky. They share their findings...
Lesson Plan
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Moving and Working in Space

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students complete four tasks with certain restrictions. In this astronomy lesson, students explore different ways that astronauts can anchor and maneuver in space. They recognize the challenges they face from day to day.
Lesson Plan
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Seasonal CEENBoT

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students simulate the Earth's revolution around the sun using CEENBoT. In this earth science lesson students calculate the Earth's distance in AU and it's speed of revolution. They explain how the Earth's movement cause seasonal variation.
Lesson Plan
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Planetary Terrain

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students research the unique features of their assigned planet. In this astronomy lesson, students organize their findings and present it to class. They recreate planetary terrain and use CEENBoT to drive over it.
Lesson Plan
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A CEENic Galaxy Quest!

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars research the distances between objects in the Milky Way. In this astronomy lesson, students calculate the time it would take for a robot to travel from Milky Way object to another. They create a travel package for...
Lesson Plan
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The Next Logical Step in Astronomy

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students research future astronomy endeavors and how the exploration with contribute to astronomy and humanity. In this astronomy lesson plan, students research, present, and debate the topics as a class.
Lesson Plan
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Tracking and Tracing Sunspots

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine sunspots. In this sunspot lesson, students use applets to investigate the movement of sunspots. Students research sunspots and evaluate the rotation of the sun. Lesson references outside resources not available in this...
Lesson Plan
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Hunting for galaxies in the Hubble Deep Field

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine Hubble Deep Field images. In this galaxy classification lesson, students research galaxy classification. Students view and classify Hubble Deep field images of galaxies.
Lesson Plan
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Distances to Stars

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the idea of parallax. In this astronomy lesson, students study the distances of stars. They investigate how parallax can be used to determine these distances.
Lesson Plan
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Astronomy

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore space science by utilizing education software. In this moon cycles lesson, students discuss the importance of the moon and the different phases we observe from earth. Students demonstrate the earth's orbit by creating a...
Lesson Plan
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Cosmic Poetry: Words and Ideas Bring the Cosmos to Life

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study the cosmos and their thoughts and feelings about the universe.  In this cosmic poetry lesson students create a venue where they can "safely" ask questions and discuss ideas. 
Lesson Plan
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Distance in Space

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore space science by measuring distances between planets. In this solar system lesson, 6th graders view a Bill Nye video and discover the conversion between the metric system and imperial measuring systems. Students...