Curated OER
See the Stars
Students explore the nighttime sky. In this space science lesson, students read the book Maria's Comet and and investigate the sky using their naked eyes. Students compare the view of their naked eyes to the view of a telescope.
Curated OER
Meteor Showers
Students use the Internet to discover the wonderful world of comets and meteor showers. They discover how to spot one and predict them using a calendar. They also examine the makeup of meteoroids and meteorites.
Curated OER
Blue Moon
Students explore information about the moon. For this trans-disciplinary lesson, students first listen to a picture book about the moon, then create an accompanying art project to illustrate a blue moon. Finally, the students write facts...
Curated OER
Paper Plate Observation
Students analyze transits from previous scientists. They identify simple objects that could have been used for documentation in the science world. They also practice scientific inquiry using methodology.
Curated OER
Science as a Source of Social Controversy
Students research the two opposing views and biographical information about Ptolemy and Copernicus in order to be familiar with the societal viewpoints that influenced the thinking of these two scientists. Students role-play supporters...
Curated OER
The Sun
Learners draw diagram of sun and its layers, including photosphere, chromosphere, corona, convection and radiative zones, and core. Students then describe each layer in their own words, define sun spot cycle, and describe solar flares.
Curated OER
Earth is Round?
Third graders discuss how Aristotle concluded that the Earth was round. As a class, they review theories about the Earth's shape and describe how life on Earth would be different if it were flat. Individually, they make a moon book in...
Curated OER
My Hometown
Young scholars identify the basic requirements needed for survival and identify the resouces needed for survival that are found within their own community. They use craft materials to create a model of it and then. create a color key to...
Curated OER
The Drake Equation
Students use the Drake Equation to calculate the probability of sustaining life on various planets. Through the use of the equation, they determine whether intelligent and advanced civilizations can be developed on planets other than...
Curated OER
What are Stars?
Students research the solar system and it's characteristics. In this solar system lesson, students are broken into 4 groups, each assigned a specific part of the solar system. Students use the Internet to research their part...
Curated OER
Super Gelatin
Students measure angles of refraction as the light travels through gelatin. In this experimental lesson students complete a refraction lab and plot their data.
Curated OER
Astonishing Planetary Discovery
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
Starring...Bears!
Learners illustrate a First Nations' legend. In this legend of bears lesson, students read several legends which involve bears and groups of stars or constellations. After reading, learners illustrate portions of the stories....
Curated OER
What On Earth
Young scholars explore earth science through concept mapping, discussion, and self-discovery.
Curated OER
Facts and Myths about our Solar System
Sixth graders explore popular ideas about the Sun and Moon. In this space science lesson plan, 6th graders separate commonly accepted details about our solar system into facts and myths. Students research a particular idea...
Curated OER
Reasons for Seasons
Learners track photoperiod (daylight hours) over time and predict how daylight change during different seasons. This helps build their understanding that ever-changing daylight is the driving force for migrations and all other seasonal...
Curated OER
Sky Pictures
Young scholars investigate constellations. In this space science lesson, students view transparencies of constellations and identify the zodiac constellations. Young scholars research the legends connected with the constellations.
Curated OER
Fractions, Decimals, and Gravity
Students discuss how weight is directly related to gravitational force on a planet. Students then choose Space Traveler as companion and compute how much their guide weighs on various planets, based on each planet's relative surface...
Curated OER
High in the Sky
Sixth graders explore the concept of constellations. In this constellations lesson, 6th graders research Internet and print sources regarding constellations, particularly those that are named for mythological creatures. Students compose...
Curated OER
Earth, Moon, Mars Balloons
Students demonstrate size and orbits of Earth, Moon, and Mars. In this space science lesson plan, students will use balloons to show how the size and distance between the planets and satellite compare.
Curated OER
Spaced Out
Students explore the transit of Venus and the information that this minieclipse provides about the distance between the Earth and the sun. They create their own astronomical units.
Curated OER
What on Earth is Greater Than?
Students compare things that are greater than, less than, or equal to, compare the Earth to other planets, and list planets from greatest size to smallest size.
Curated OER
Mass
Learners participate in a qualitative discussion of the distinction between weight and mass, followed by a description of astronaut mass measurements in a zero-g environment.
Curated OER
Heating Up: Direct and Indirect Sunlight
Middle schoolers, by conducting simulations, explore the effects of direct and indirect sunlight on heating of the Earth.