What do Newton's Laws have to do with getting from Earth to Mars?The activities in this resource show how Newton's Laws work with rockets to get them into space. Background information includes facts about orbits and how orbits are used...

To go or to not to go — the question for a mission to Mars. This resource provides details for a possible manned mission to Mars. Details include a launch schedule, what life would be like on the surface, and how the astronauts would...

Introduce your class to Mars with a resource that provides information about its size, location, length of day, length of year, number of moons, and average temperature. Also includes is information about the lans for past and future...

Help your class understand the magnitude of the distance between Earth and Mars with an activity that asks small groups to use balloons to create scale models of the Earth, Moon, and Mars. Class members figure out the distances between...

Which planet is closest to the sun? And what comes next after that one? Have your learners note down each planet on each orbit sketched out on this page. They can draw the planet, write its name, and include a few tidbits of information...

Preparing for an assessment? Here's an activity that will ensure that all class members have the background knowledge they need to demonstrate their skills on a performance task related to the solar system and the tools astronomers use...

Use a variety of whole fruits to represent the different planets in the solar system to introduce scale sizes to your math or space science class. They follow suit by creating a non-scaled model of the solar system using specific-colored...

Young astronomers create a six-chapter book on their choice of heavenly bodies. This is technically not a solar system project in that they can include dwarf planets, black holes, and other celestial entities that are outside of our...

Trading cards or tourism post cards are to be designed by space scientists for each planet, comets, and asteroids. One the front side, each card must have a hand-drawn color picture of the body, its name, and the Roman god from which it...

Get an up-close-and personal look at the sun from the safety of your classroom with this fun science application. Offering numerous activities, images, and videos, the resource supports children of all ages as they learn about the sun.

Young astronomers follow a step-by-step procedure for dividing a lump of dough into parts, resulting in a scaled volume set of puny planets. Along with the printable directions is a template chart of planet names on which learners can...

Take your kids on a trip through the universe as they explore galaxies, solar systems, stars, and more. Watch the short video, then have learners show their knowledge with the included quiz. Supplement the video by having teams build a...

Travel through space as you learn about the galaxy, solar system, planets, and much more. An extensive resource for studying astronomy in upper-elementary and middle school classrooms.

Go back to space school and learn all about Saturn. Explore this ringed gas sphere, its many moons, composition, place in space, and unique qualities. A great video to be viewed on its own or alongside any other space or planet videos.

Questing for information about the red planet? Attend this class at space school and learn all about Mars. Myths, misconceptions, and facts about the planet's long and interesting history are presented. Great video! Look for other space...

Travel with the Martian Lander Phoenix, and discover what conditions were found. Was there life on Mars, could life have ever existed on Mars? This clip poses the possibility of and theories related to life on Mars but ends before the...

Visit the planet Mercury and learn about its orbit, place in the solar system, and difficult past. Closest to the sun and covered in craters, this planet has had it rough. You'll find out that Mercury is actually a dead planet but still...

Travel to deep space and view the icy blue planet, Neptune. You'll learn about Neptune's rings, its great dark spot, size, and surface. Great graphics and real images make this a perfect clip for learners in grades 3-6.

What makes Uranus unique? Watch this video to discover the planet, its astrological sign, its moons, etc. Note: this film is not narrated; instead, text is shown in front of the picture it describes. Even for a seven-minute video, it's a...

Take your class to space school where they'll learn all about our fabulous sun. While the narrator speaks somewhat fast, he explains how the sun was born, how it works, and what ancient people believed it to be. This clip could be a...

Class is in session, and today's topic is the planet Venus! Sit back and learn about our sister planet, her composition, place in space, and atmosphere. The narration is very rapid, making it short but packed with information that may be...

Continue the journey through our solar system through the lens of the tools sent into space. Viewers meet rovers, rockets, and satellites as they gather vital information, helping scientists understand out solar system. Real images, CG...

Poor Pluto! This clip answers this questions by defining what a planet is. It turns out that Pluto doesn't quite fit the definition of a planet and has recently been labeled as a dwarf planet. Amazing stuff!

What are comets, and where do they come from? Learn about short and long period comets, where they come from, and what they're made of. Dr. Alan Stern answers specific questions regarding comets we see and ones we don't. This is a...