Almost every phone has GPS installed, but a large number of teens don't know how the technology works. An initial activity illustrates how GPS determines a location on Earth. Scholars then apply trilateration procedures to a...

Sometimes the best view is from the farthest distance. Satellite imaging makes it possible to create altitude maps from far above the earth. A three-part activity has your young scientists play the role of the satellite and then use...

Did you know light can decrease visibility? Light pollution absolutely makes it more difficult to see stars. Scholars build a simple magnitude reader to determine the magnitude of stars. They use these data to estimate the impact of...

Young astronomers learn about the Big Bang Theory and redshift through a hands-on activity in the last installment of a three-part series. Participants draw dots on balloons and then inflate them to model how galaxies moved farther apart...

Twelfth graders determine how scientists study the universe and particular astronomical objects using Internet research, images and NIH software. They work in groups to examine and use imaging software as they study astronomical objects.

Students compare and contrast the size, composition and surface features of the nine planets of our solar system with the possible sizes and compositions of extra -solar planets.

Students identify the name, order and attributes of the planets. They role play the position of planets, and draw pictures of the planets as well.

Students use Venn diagrams to highlight the similarities and differences between comets, meteors, and asteroids.

Students complete a WebQuest in order to better explain solar and lunar eclipses. They observe images and videos of eclipses from around the world.

Students experience a computer based applet that explains why the Earth experiences tides.

Students work in small groups to organize stars into different categories. They consider size, luminosity, color and temperature, organize the groups and ten report their categories to the class.

Young scholars complete research and solve problems that show the factors that determine the temperature of the earth's surface including the effect of greenhouse gases. They look at the relationships between solar energy, atmosphere,...

Learners develop a scaled down model of the solar system. In small groups, they calculate the scaled-down diameters of the planets and the sun, the scaled-down distance of the planets from the sun, complete two charts, and create a...

Students fill in a diagram of a comet. They listen to a short lecture, view flash animation descriptions of comets and meteors and then use the presented information to complete a worksheet.

Students explore CCDs or Charge-Coupled Devices. In this digital devices activity, students examine how CCDs are constructed, collect light, and create a digital signal.

Pupils create a sundial. In this sundial lesson plan, students examine the history and use of sundials. Pupils create a sundial and test their sundial.

Students investigate the celestial sphere and circumpolar motion. In this science lesson, students view an applet, The Celestial Sphere and Circumpolar Motion. Students discuss the Earth's rotation and stellar movement.

Students analyze the stellar magnitude scale. In this stellar magnitude lesson plan, students examine the stellar magnitude scale. Students predict the Sun's magnitude from various planets.

Students research the aurora. In this aurora lesson, students participate in a webquest about the aurora. Webquest worksheet is included.

Students create an oil pastel painting. In this pastel painting lesson, students examine images of the aurora borealis. Students produce an original pastel painting of the aurora.

Students sketch the different phases of the moon after exploring them on an internet program. In this moon phases lesson plan, students discuss how the Sun, Earth, and Moon are related.

Students examine eclipses. In this eclipse lesson, students investigate solar and lunar eclipses. Students complete a WebQuest and write a descriptive summary of eclipses. Lesson references a WebQuest, but does not include a link.

Students discover how the position of the Sun, Moon and Earth affect tides. In this science lesson, students view a presentation about the tides. Students discuss the different types of tides.

Learners compare and contrast the Earth's interior with 2 other planets by looking at images on the computer. In this planet interiors lesson plan, students write a paper about their findings.