Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Journey To The Solar System

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders engage in a activity to find different facts and connect them to the concept of the solar system. They conduct research using the technology integration of the internet. Using the information the students create a classroom...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planetary Weather

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils study the weather on other planets in our solar system.  In this planetary weather lesson students create a display of the different weather conditions on the other planets. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Space Science

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study the objects in our solar system.  In this space lesson plan students identify and describe planets, then classify them as terrestrial or gaseous.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Idol Presents: Solar System Night

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore facts about the solar system. They conduct research, and compose lyrics to well-known songs about one of the planets or various members of the solar system.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar System Bead Distance Activity

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers create a scaled solar system model using colorful beads. In this space science activity, students convert AU units into metric measurements. They arrange the planets according to their distances from the sun.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Solar System

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students investigate the coincidental parade of planets and witness dramatic views of the solar system by researching websites and participating in online activities. They write about their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar System Name Tags

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students participate in four activities that will get them to know each other and the celestial bodies of the solar system. Students take the name of a celestial body. Students stand up one at a time, say their celestial body name and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Solar System and Seasons

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate the relative diameters of planets and distances between them and the cause for seasons on Earth using the 5-E Learning Model. They appreciate the size and distances involved with objects in the real universe....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Journey Through Our Solar System

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the concept of the solar system in our universe by constructing a model that is made to a measurable scale. Once the model is constructed it should be placed in a wide open space for observation and demonstration...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar Kit Lesson #7 - Positioning Solar Panels I: Explorations with Tracking

For Teachers 6th - 9th
In this first part of a two-part lesson, learners track and record the sun's azimuth using a solar panel. They graph and analyze the data to identify relationships among the time of day, the altitude and azimuth of the sun, and the...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Scaling Down the Solar System

For Teachers 4th - 5th Standards
Learners work collaboratively to gain a better understanding of the vastness of space by scaling down the solar system. They measure by inches, gain an understanding of space, and model the distances of the planets from the sun.
Lesson Plan
Journey Through the Universe

A Scale Model Solar System

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Between the time scientists discovered Pluto and reclassified it as a dwarf planet, it did not even make one full revolution around the sun. In two activities, scholars investigate scale models and their properties. Pupils find that it...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Nine Planets

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine and investigate the solar system. They participate in a Webquest, and create a Powerpoint presentation that is meant to be a research guide to help alien visitors find a suitable habitat in the solar system.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planets for Sale

For Teachers 3rd
Student develop their technology skills. In this solar system instructional activity, 3rd graders create a movie featuring planets that they research. Students use flip video cameras to film commercials to market their planets.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Out-of-This-World Crossword Puzzle

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
An interactive web site allows students to create crossword puzzles online after researching planets and Sun in the Earth's solar system facts. They complete crossword puzzles created by classmates.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Redesign the Rover: Mars Research Year-Round

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils discuss the solar system, the planets, periods of orbit and revolution.  In this space lesson students discuss the importance of the study of Mars and brainstorm ideas on how NASA might solve its Rover design problem. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Out of This World

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders animate their own planets.  In this solar system lesson, 5th graders use smartphones and the software, GoKnow Sketchy, to create images for presentations on their created planets that appear to be animated when played...
Lesson Plan
Journey Through the Universe

Voyage of Discovery

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
Did you know that Pluto is smaller than the United States of America? It is difficult to conceptualize the size of planets and the distance between them, and the lesson addresses those exact issues. After a discussion, pupils create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Finding Out About the Stars and Planets

For Teachers K - 4th
Students complete a web-based activity to study the planets and solar system. Students complete a number of activities including a slide show that depict the true facts about planets.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Solar System

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students study the planets of the solar system. Students observe a model of the solar system, and name each planet, in order. In pairs, students write acronyms to assist in remembering the plants in order and share them with their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth: Our Big Blue Marble

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students investigate Earth and its resources. In this Earth, space, and nature lesson plan, students collaborate to design presentations on the Earth, its cycles, and how humans have impacted the planet. Images, diagrams, and background...
Lesson Plan
Messenger Education

Star Power! Discovering the Power of Sunlight

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
It takes less than 10 minutes for energy from the sun to travel 90 million miles to Earth! In the first installment in a series of four, groups measure the amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth. They then discuss how this is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blazing Gas

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read and discuss the sun and the energy we use on Earth from the sun. In this sun lesson plan, 4th graders discuss the solar system, planets, and answer short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Rotation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the rotation of the Earth as it occurs in the 24 hour cycle. They use models of planets and the globe to make observations of movements made. Students brainstorm prior knowledge and then participate in a demonstration of...