Curated OER
What Makes Shadows? Observing and Drawing Shadows
Students make accurate drawings of a classmate's shadow. They note position of the sun in the sky. They identify a connection between the direction of the shadow and the location of the sun. They observe changes in shadows over time.
Curated OER
Comparison Activities
Young scholars explore the size of the sun and it's temperature. Using the Internet, students visit given websites to compare the sun's diameter, outer layers, and mass to visual items young scholars can relate to. They also compare...
Curated OER
Solar Storms: Odds, Fractions and Percentages
In this solar storms activity, learners read about the correlation between different astronomical events to find patters and new 'laws' of nature. Students use given statistical information about solar flares and coronal mass ejections...
Curated OER
Gravity and the Planets
In this gravity worksheet, students read about the solar system and the effects of the gravity of the sun, the planets and the moon on the orbits of the planets. They answer three critical thinking questions about gravity.
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Modeling Hot and Cold Planets
Students, in teams, design and construct models of two planets, one hot and the other cold, using a variety of materials. They attempt to create the models out of substances that will actually show the greatest temperature differences...
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Climate And the Greenhouse Effect
Students demonstrate the greenhouse effect. They recognize that relatively small changes to our environment can stimulate significant climate changes. They determine that the "scientific method" is a process of testing hypotheses and...
Curated OER
Observing and Sketching the Lunar Surface
Young scholars explore space science by conducting an illustration activity. In this lunar lesson, students discuss what the moon is and the role it plays for our environment on Earth. Young scholars view images of the moon and utilize...
Curated OER
Pulsars and Simple Equations
In this pulsars worksheet, learners read about the spin rate of pulsars and they are given two equations that predict the spin rate in the future of these two pulsars. Students solve 6 problems related to the given equations and...
Curated OER
Dimming The Sun
Students review the meanings of global warming and global dimming. While watching a video, they take notes on different aspects of the issue. In groups, they develop a list on what can be done to reduce global dimming. They...
Curated OER
Energy and Energy Resources
For this energy and energy resources worksheet, students complete 14 fill in the blank questions in the form of word scrambles, twisters, and teasers.
Curated OER
Interdependence and Adaptation
Fifth graders construct a food web to illustrate how animals and plants are interdependent. In this interdependence lesson plan, 5th graders identify how consumers, producers, herbivores, carnivores and predators are related in a...
Curated OER
Energy Crisis and Energy Alternatives
In this energy crisis and energy alternatives worksheet, young scholars fill in the blanks of sentences when given terms related to the environment, the energy crisis, renewable resources and non-renewable resources.
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Rocks and Soils
Young scholars compare the properties of rocks and relate these properties to their use. They perform a virtual experiment to describe and group rocks on the basis of their characteristics.
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Dark Matter In The Universe
Middle schoolers investigate the concept of dark matter and how it occurs in the universe. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students use the information by reading at least two articles about dark matter. They also...
Curated OER
Seeing The Sun In A New Light
Students examine the observation of "coronal holes," by x-rays, also about related fast streams and moderate magnetic storms that recur at 27 day intervals. They study NASA'S great observatories.
Curated OER
North, South, East, and West
A basic lesson on the teaching of the cardinal directions awaits your class. They are directed to go to different parts of the playground and where they attempt to describe their location in relation to each other by using the cardinal...
Curated OER
Measuring the Diameter of the Sun
Young scholars calculate and measure the diameter of the sun. They construct a meter stick instrument, calculate the diameter using a formula, and compare the measurement with the accepted scientific measurement.
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Parametric Functions and Substitutions
In this solar winds activity, students determine the strength of magnetic storms in terms of the size of the change they make in the Earth's magnetic field. This worksheet has 3 problems to solve.
Star Date
Modeling the Night Sky
Dramatize the stars and planets as they become a visual representation of the solar system in this activity. Young astronomers track and simulate various constellations as they orbit the Earth to learn the position and motion of...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
Dive into the power of the sun with a two-part activity. Budding scientists model the greenhouse effect in a hands-on activity, and then participate in a skit that explores the earth's energy balances and what really occurs in the...
Curated OER
Water in the Biosphere
Environmental explorers examine the campus and take note of living organisms. Introduce them to the biosphere and the questions of the day: How much water can be found in the biosphere? A slide show helps you along, and even contains a...
Space Awareness
Global Warming of the Atmosphere
Scientists know the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is higher than at any point in the last 800,000 years. Scholars learn about the amount of thermic radiation absorbed by air and what happens to the rest of the...
Curated OER
Water Conservation
Open learners' eyes to the challenge of finding safe drinking water – something we often take for granted in our country. The PowerPoint presentation includes images, graphs, diagrams, and even a video to stimulate discussion on how we...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Global Climate Change
Here is an extensive reading resource that addresses our climate change crisis. It thoroughly explains the greenhouse effect, related Earth cycles, and the history of climate change. Use it as part of the intended unit, published by the...