Curated OER
Measuring the Speed of Light
Students explore physics by completing measurement problems in class. In this speed of light lesson, students discuss the importance of knowing the speed of light and how it affects many aspects of human life on Earth. Students identify...
Curated OER
Solar System
In this online interactive solar system worksheet, students respond to 10 fill in the blank questions regarding the information included in the provided paragraphs.
Curated OER
Gravity, Seasons, and Time
In this Earth worksheet, students read about Earth's gravity, the reason the Earth has seasons, and time zones. Then students complete 21 multiple choice, 2 true or false, and 1 short answer question.
Curated OER
The Solar System
Students describe the different bodies that make up our solar system, explain the place of our solar system within the Milky Way Galaxy and the universe, explain day and night and the Earth's movement, and describe the relationship...
Curated OER
Memory Techniques
Students enhance memorization skills by using the following techniques: acrostics, acronyms, number pictures, spelling memory tips, name pictures, grouping, and journey pegs.
Curated OER
Central Tendency
Fifth graders compare and contrast different sets of data on the basis of measures of central tendency.
Curated OER
Types of Galaxies
Eighth graders take a quiz to review the different objects in space. As a class, they define terms related to galaxies. In groups, they make a model of the Milky Way galaxy using materials provided to them by their teacher. To end the...
Curated OER
Number Forms and Order
In this number forms and order worksheet, 5th graders answer 10 multiple choice questions, not interactively, with answers available online.
Curated OER
Moon, Mars, and Beyond-Mission Briefing
Learners complete this introductory lesson in which they find out about the scenario for a simulated online space mission. They review vocabulary and complete a review sheet to reinforce the details of the mission and its goals.
Curated OER
Sun too close? We'll just change Earth's orbit
Pupils study an article and discuss what would happen if the Earth's orbit changed. In this Earth's orbit instructional activity students answer a list of questions and complete an activity.
Curated OER
Telling Time Through the Zodiac
Young scholars compare the Chinese and Western zodiacs, their symbols, their meanings, and their calendars through a in-class discussion and a small group project. This lesson includes vocabulary and extensions.
Curated OER
Stink-O-Rama
Young scholars participate in activities that require them to follow clues. In this clues lesson, students do different activities that involve looking and thinking about clues to get them to their answer.
Curated OER
The Parkingtons Are Coming
Students particpate in a simulation as hosts for a visiting family of aliens. They work in small groups deciding what 10 pages of information from an Almanac the aliens need before they arrive.
Curated OER
Negation and Adjectives
In this negatives and adjectives worksheet, students read the sentence that states a negative choice adjective and circle the word that matches the meaning of the negative adjective.
NASA
Nasa: Mission Science: What Is a Planet?
Find out about how planets have been classified historically, and what scientists use to study them.
University of California
Ucla: What Makes a Planet
This detailed essay defines planets and compares the characteristics to those of Pluto. Orbital graphs and background information clarify the change in Pluto's categorization. A copy of IAU's Resolution 5 is also contained in this essay.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Why Is the Sky Blue? (On Pluto, That Is)
Read about the atmosphere of Pluto.
NASA
Nasa Space Science Data Archive: Pluto
This site, which is provided by the National Space Science Data Center of NASA, is a site with detailed information about Pluto, including planned missions to explore the planet in greater detail.
Read Works
Read Works: Mission Pluto
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Pluto being classified as a dwarf planet. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Ask Dr. Universe: Is Pluto a Planet Again or Not?
Dr. Universe answers this question after talking with WSU's Katie Cooper. Katie is an expert in the geology of Earth and objects in outer space.
Library of Congress
Loc: Poetry 180: Forgotten Planet
This poet reminisces about childhood as he listens to his daughter's lack of undertanding about the names of the all of the planets.
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Michael E. Brown
This article discusses the life and scientific discoveries of Michael E. Brown. Learn how he is credited with downgrading Pluto from a planet to dwarf planet.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids Science: Learn About the Dwarf Planet Pluto
Kids astronomy. What is Pluto like? How do we know about this dwarf planet?
California Institute of Technology
The Discovery of Eris, the Largest Known Dwarf Planet
Until the discovery of Eris, Pluto was known as the largest Keiper belt object. This dwarf planet has replaced Pluto in size and is accompanied by a satellite that has been given the name Dysnomia. Learn about this distant world here...