For this electron dot structures handout, new chemists read about electron arrangement and how to draw electron dot diagrams. They complete a chart with the mass number, atomic number, isotope notation, number of neutrons, and Bohr...

Researchers use scientific data to understand what is inside each of the planets. The first in a series of six, this lesson builds off of that concept by having pupils use a data table to create their own scale models of the interiors of...

Galileo first observed Saturn's rings in 1610. Through the use of a flashlight and baby powder, classes see how they can observe the rings of the outer planets from far away. Another demonstration shows how these rings, made of ice and...

Where can you see an aurora in North America? After completing an astronomy activity, scholars can locate the exact coordinates. Pupils plot points of the inner and outer ring of the auroral oval and answer questions based on...

Explore a story's character by using this character wheel. Kids will love this graphic organizer. It's easy to use, and there are spaces to write character traits and textual evidence that supports those traits. This is a great middle...

Travel through space as you learn about the galaxy, solar system, planets, and much more. An extensive resource for studying astronomy in upper-elementary and middle school classrooms.

In this space science activity, students learn 3 facts about comets and then read a short informational passage about comets.

In this space science worksheet, students learn 4 facts about the sun. Students also read a short passage about the sun to gain more information.

Students identify the different features of the Sun. In this space science lesson, students create a model of its surface using cookies and candies. They compare and contrast their model to the real Sun.

In this math worksheet, students count the items in each group and write the number words next to them. Students are given a list of words to choose from. All of the items are related to outer space.

In this outer space worksheet, students read "My Shadow is following me" and learn about the Solar System and how shadows are created. They then complete the 2 students tasks and answer the 5 questions in the packet. The answers are on...

In this letter/phonics worksheet, students draw, color and label 5 things that begin with A, practice writing the upper and lower case letter, and as a challenge activity, research what they would need to do to prepare for a trip to...

Third graders consider outer space. In this introductory solar system lesson plan, 3rd graders complete a KWL chart and listen to the story The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System, by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen. They will...

In this planets worksheet, students research the diameters and sizes of the planets. Then student will create scale model sizes of the planets out of cookie dough. Students complete 5 short answer questions.

Students understand that people believe there may be life in other solar systems. In this communication with other solar systems lesson, students analyze our planet and write things they want to communicate to other solar systems.

Find an answer to the age-old debate of whether life exists on Mars. Groups determine criteria to help look for signs of life on Mars. The activity has the class simulate testing Martian soil samples for signs of life before drawing...

Stunning images make up this slide show on the inner planets of our solar system. While visiting Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, viewers also are introduced to the International Space Station and the Spirit Rover on Mars. Follow this...

Tenth graders study how to search for life in outer space and make use of the 40-foot radio telescope at Greenbank, West Virginia. Request that the telescope be pointed at a particular location and time and receive data back from it...

Students examine a small piece of land to determine the diversity of life on Earth. They role play as visitors from outer space seeing life on Earth for the first time. They measure and observe their plots while working in small groups....

Students study three different muscle types and investigate the affect of space travel on astronauts' muscles. They examine how exercise has a positive affect on muscle both on Earth and in space while looking at engineers' roles in...

Students analyze how the digestive system works by taking the food we eat and breaking it down for our bodies to use for various reasons. They list the major components of the digestive system and draw a diagram. They explain how...

Students demonstrate an awareness of air as a substance that surrounds us and takes up space, and whose movement we feel as wind. They predict and describe how local weather conditions affect living things, including themselves.

Students examine images from space.  For this third from the Sun lesson, students examine images from, Landsat, the satellite launched by NASA in 1972.   

Learners participate in vocabulary building activities including worksheets before reading an online article. They write a space travel diary of their first visit to outer space in a journal entry.