Lesson Plan
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High in the Sky

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore the concept of constellations. In this constellations lesson, 6th graders research Internet and print sources regarding constellations, particularly those that are named for mythological creatures. Students compose...
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Constellations

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the major constellations. After reviewing the Earth's basic motions and their significance, students discuss the moon's orbit and revolutions. Using a Digitarium Alpha portable planetarium projector, they observe at...
Lesson Plan
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Solstice And Equiniox Curriculum

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson that investigates finding the dates of the solstices and equinoxes. They define the terms related to the concept and conduct research in order to explain the physical occurrences. They also relate to how the...
Lesson Plan
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Star Gazing

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate what an astronomer is and what he studies in the solar system.
Worksheet
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Asteroid, Comet, or Meteor?

For Students 6th - 8th
For this asteroid, comet and meteor worksheet, middle schoolers complete a chart by determining which of 8 given characteristics belong to asteroids, comets or meteors.
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Constellation Projections

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners draw constellations. In this astronomy activity, students create constellations from star groupings projected on a chalk board. Learners connect the "stars" to create a pattern on the board. Student can create new groupings of...
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The Guest Investigator Puzzle

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students conduct a brief astrophysics lab matching the EUVE spectra of various kinds of "mystery" stars with the spectra of known stars taken at Extreme Ultraviolet and optical wavelengths to determine their type.
Lesson Plan
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An Interview with Mr. Sol

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Young scholars explore the sun, the galaxy, and planets. As an introduction to a class discussion of the sun, students perform a skit. They discuss the elements that make up the sun, stars and planets.
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Stellar Navigation Curriculum

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the concept of star mapping and how it is used in space navigation. They conduct various activities to see the effect of mapping. Also the teacher uses models and demonstrations in order to communicate the main...
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Time Travel to the Edge of the Universe and Back!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the size of the universe and calculate the time to travel to near and distant destinations.
Lesson Plan
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Paper Plate Observation

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students analyze transits from previous scientists. They identify simple objects that could have been used for documentation in the science world. They also practice scientific inquiry using methodology.
Lesson Plan
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The Mystery Constellation

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students decipher two teacher chosen mystery constellations a month. They listen to stories, explain what they know about constellations and name the mystery constellation.
Lesson Plan
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Asteroids

For Teachers K - 12th
Students examine the different types of asteroids and how they enter the atmosphere.  In this space lesson students use mashed potatoes to create an asteroid they can eat.
Lesson Plan
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Sun

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study how the sun is at the center of the solar system.  For this solar lesson students measure the altitude of the sun and its size.
Organizer
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Asteroid, Comet, or Meteor?

For Students 4th - 6th
In this asteroid, comet, and meteor graphic organizer worksheet, students compare and contrast asteroids, comets, and meteors as they mark the characteristics of each.
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Hubble Space Telescope Webquest

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the Hubble Space Telescope. In this Hubble Space Telescope lesson, students complete a webquest about the Hubble Space Telescope.
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Sky Stories Curriculum

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students investigate the stories told by ancient cultures about the constellations. They listen to stories told by the Greeks and Romans. The classroom should have posters of constellations for the lesson and the teacher performs...
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The Sun

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students draw diagram of sun and its layers, including photosphere, chromosphere, corona, convection and radiative zones, and core. Students then describe each layer in their own words, define sun spot cycle, and describe solar flares.
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Day and Night

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students using experiments try to demonstrate how observations can be affected by the cycles of night and day.
Lesson Plan
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Make it Yourself Constellation Finder

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Learners identify constellations with and without a constellation finder.  In this creating constellations instructional activity students construct a constellation finder to help them to identify the constellations. 
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Photometry

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine blackbody radiation and light wavelengths. Students research the various types of electromagnetic spectrum. Students examine any misconceptions they may have in light.
Worksheet
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Distances in Space

For Students 8th - 10th
In this distances in space worksheet, students learn about astronomical units and light years as measurements for great distances. Students use both of these units of measurements to solve five problems.
Lesson Plan
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Three D Constellations

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Students are introduced to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder. They convert spherical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates to construct a three dimensional model of a constellation...
Lesson Plan
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#22 Frames of Reference: The Basics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the concept of frames of reference in physics.