Fourth graders use candy to make a comet. In this lesson, 4th graders examine the role comets have played throughout history, students watch NASA videos about comets and complete the lesson by making an edible model of a comet. This...

Young scholars research the solar system and it's characteristics.  In this solar system lesson plan, students are broken into 4 groups, each assigned a specific part of the solar system.  Young scholars use the Internet to...

Young scholars measure angles of refraction as the light travels through gelatin.  In this experimental instructional activity students complete a refraction lab and plot their data.

Students examine how to apply conservation of energy and properties of matter to a spectroscope.  In this energy lesson students build their own spectroscope and observe three kinds of spectra.

Students investigate the Law of Reflection and how light travels.  In this reflection lesson plan students produce data from their experiment then create a pencil tracing.

Students use triangulation method to locate meteorite landing site on the map. In this earth science lesson plan, students participate in a meteorite treasure hunt set up by the teacher. They explain how this method is used by scientists...

Science stars examine the concept of energy by thinking about everyday situations. The lesson plan is incohesive. It lists goals for the student, but doesn't address all of them in the content. The best use of this resource would simply...

Students, in groups, research a planet from our solar system. They create Styrofoam models of the planets and place the planets on a correct distance scale from the sun.

Students view an applet to study the phases of the Moon in relation to the orientation of the sun, moon, and Earth.

Students gain appreciation of the vastness of our galaxy by viewing an applet about the Milky Way. Students hypothesize about how long it would take to get from Earth to Pluto.

Learners calculate the diameter of planets and their relative distances.  In this space science lesson, students discover how small or big the planets are in comparison to each other. Learners use cross multiplying fractions to find...

Students examine asteroids including how and when they were discovered.  In this asteroid lesson students view a PowerPoint presentation on asteroids.

Students create a three-dimensional model of the sun. In this solar system instructional activity, students design a scale model of the sun using plasticine.

Students study star charts and describe locations of objects.  In this scientific models lesson students use coordinates and identify characteristics. 

Students explore the Earth and its rotation. Volunteers model the sun-Earth system to demonstrate that the Earth rotates around the sun. In groups, students simulate "traveling" around the sun and discuss when it is night and day.

Students compare and contrast the various heavenly bodies found in the sky at night. They identify the moon and stars in the sky as well as how the stars form pictures called constellations. Students also experiment with reflection and...

Middle schoolers explore the major constellations. After reviewing the Earth's basic motions and their significance, students discuss the moon's orbit and revolutions. Using a Digitarium Alpha portable planetarium projector, they...

Young scholars study the ideas behind the heliocentric theory of Copernicus. They examine about retrograde motion of the planets as they move around the sun. They study astronomers who include Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Galileo.

Learners describe the phases of the moon and play a game with moon phase cards.

Students work in small groups to arrange moon phase cards into the correct sequence. The goal is to circle as many consecutive numbers as possible in two minutes.

Students study the heliocentric theory of Copernicus, the ideas behind it and the explanations which it displaced. A discussion of retrograde motion of planets helps students explain the logic underlying the ideas of both Ptolemy and...

Students explore earth science through concept mapping, discussion, and self-discovery.

Sixth graders are introduced to the correct terminology for the phases of the moon and arrange picture cards in the correct order. They use flashlights and Styrofoam balls to illustrate the phases of the moon. They write science journal...

Students access the Internet, research one of the planets, copy and paste necessary information, and design a creature that would survive for a year on their planet. They present their creature and its qualities to the rest of the class.