Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Explore the Characteristics of Stars with Microsoft WorldWide Telescope

For Teachers 2nd - 9th
Students explore the characteristics of stars. For this space science activity, students use the Microsoft WorldWide Telescope program to identify the properties of stars and identify the stars in the galaxy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Scientific Revolution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Scientists participate in studying how new scientific advances have changed the world. They explain how astronomers have changed the way people view the universe, summarize the advances that were made in chemistry and medicine, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reach for the Stars

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the significance of space exploration. In this space science instructional activity, students  visit selected websites to discover information about astronomy, lunar missions, and space travel....
Lesson Plan
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Earth in Space

For Teachers 8th - 9th
In this reason for the days and nights on earth worksheet, young scholars study the reasons the Earth has days and nights by answering 28 questions about earth's rotation, the equator, the relationship between the sun and moon, and the...
Lesson Plan
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Modeling the Big Bang and the Formation of the Universe

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders conduct an experiment to understand the Big Bang Theory.  In this Big Bang Theory lesson, 6th graders will observe a balloon with confetti popping to emulate and analyze information related tot he Big Bang theory....
Lesson Plan
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How Big Is That Star?

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Aspiring astronomers study stars. They compare stars and explain the relationship between radius, mass, and diameter. By creating a star simulation, they discover how a binary star system's orbit can cause changes in the observed...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Place In Space

For Teachers 4th - 8th
The purpose of this unit is for students to make the rich set of connections between astronomy and the rest of science and technology, language arts, cultural studies (social studies), math, art, and music.
Lesson Plan
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Solar System Bead Distance Activity

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a scaled solar system model using colorful beads. In this space science lesson, students convert AU units into metric measurements. They arrange the planets according to their distances from the sun.
Lesson Plan
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The Sun in Our Lives

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the different parts of the sun. In this astronomy lesson plan, 3rd graders examine how the sun's energy drive life processes on Earth. They construct a model of a solar system using large rolls of toilet paper.
Lesson Plan
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How Far... How Powerfu

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students work with a real optical spectrum of a gamma ray burst afterglow taken at the Keck Observatory. They measure the shifts of spectral lines, deduce the velocity of the astronomical object, and then use Hubble's Law to get its...
Lesson Plan
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Sky Quest: Exploring the Constellations

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students examine constellations and planets through completing various activities. Students work individually and in groups to create drawings based on stars, compare and contrast the night sky with and without a telescope and learn...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Hot is that Star?: Astronomy, Sun, Solar Temperature, Science

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars explain sun facts and solar information. They discover how temperature of a star is measured. They investigate the various scales used to measure temperature. They observe images of the sun. They classify stars according...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth's Revolution and Rotation

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the regular motions of the sun, Earth and the moon and explain how these are related to days, years, seasons, eclipses, tides and moon cycles. They participate in an exercise where they explore the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tracking and Tracing Sunspots

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners examine sunspots. In this sunspot lesson, students use applets to investigate the movement of sunspots. Learners research sunspots and evaluate the rotation of the sun. Lesson references outside resources not available in this...
Lesson Plan
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Earth Science

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars explore the planets and celestial bodies in our solar system. In this outer space lesson, students identify the planets and record journal information about them and other celestial bodies. Young scholars define outer...
Lesson Plan
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Stars and Constellations

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate how ancient cultures viewed their world in terms of astronomy. They read and discuss an informational handout, construct an astrolabe, and locate stars and constellations using star charts.
Lesson Plan
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Time Travel to the Edge of the Universe and Back!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the size of the universe and calculate the time to travel to near and distant destinations.
Lesson Plan
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WAVES AND PHOTONS

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine the many types of electromagnetic waves, the concept of an EM wave, how James Clerk Maxwell proposed a slight modification of the equations of electricity, Heinrich Hertz and his radio-frequency, wavelengths, and light...
Lesson Plan
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Why is There a Tidal Bulge Opposite the Moon?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students simulate how the Moon causes ocean tides. In this earth science lesson plan, 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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Tools of Modern Astronomy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils differentiate refracting and reflecting telescopes. In this earth science lesson, students explain how they are closely connected to satellites. They complete the concept map at the end of the activity.
Lesson Plan
Space Awareness

A View From Above

For Teachers 8th - Higher Ed
Analyzing and interpreting satellite data takes knowledge and patience. Through a detailed lab investigation, young scholars learn the process of analyzing this data. They use technology to create color images and maps from real...
Lesson Plan
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Start the Space Flight Time Line

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research space flight exploration and technology. In small groups, they research a significant event from early time until the start of the space age. A class time line is created from the research groups.
Lesson Plan
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Quiz: Astronomy

For Teachers 3rd
In this science worksheet, 3rd graders will focus on various aspects of astronomy. Students will respond to ten questions all pertaining to stars, constellations, planets, and our solar system.
Lesson Plan
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Earth's Journey Through Space

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners arrange various pictures of the Earth to identify its journey through space. In this Earth's rotation lesson plan, students use models of the Earth and demonstrate its journey through space. Learners complete the worksheet about...