Lesson Plan
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Blast Off with Model Rockets

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students investigate science and math by building a rocket. In this geometry lesson, students build a rocket using paper towel tubes while investigating questions about launching a rocket. They discuss balance and unique structure as...
Lesson Plan
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The Weather Classroom: Atmosphere

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore the planets and their atmospheres online. They write the story of "Goldilocks and the Nine Planets" to explain how each planet's atmosphere differs from Earth's. They design a viable life form.
Lesson Plan
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Why is the Average Temperature Greater on Venus than on Mercury?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners examine the reasons why the temperature is higher on Venus than on Mercury. In groups, they analzye both planet's atmospheres and determine the rate of global warming on each. They use the internet to research the planets in...
Lesson Plan
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The Path of the Sun, the Ecliptic

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars are introduced to the ecliptic, the zodiac and the apparent motions of the Sun, Moon and planets across the sky.
Worksheet
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The Sun

For Students 3rd - 4th
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.
Worksheet
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Uranus

For Students 4th - 5th
In this planet science instructional activity, students learn 6 facts about the planet Uranus. Students also read a paragraph containing more information about the planet.
Lesson Plan
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Soil Comparison and Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students perform tests on different soil samples. In this earth science lesson, students classify the soil into groups according to test results. They write a lab report following a certain criteria.
Lesson Plan
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Mission Planning: Earth/Mars Comparisons

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students compare and contrast conditions on Mars to those on our own planet, specifically, their local or regional environments. The physical characteristics, the atmosphere, and other astronomical data is considered.
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Astronomical Scales

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars describe the different units of measurement. In this space science lesson, students calculate astronomical distances using a scale. They explain the significance of using scientific notation in expressing very small...
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Satellites and the Radiation Budget

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Pupils engage in a prelab discussion about the earth's radiation budget and global warming. They use "trading cards" to find specific websites to research radiation budget questions.
Lesson Plan
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Solving Saturn's Mysteries

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers study the Cassini spacecraft and its travel to Saturn. They discover the results of the space mission and examine images of Saturn that Cassini sent back.
Lesson Plan
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Gravity Gets You Down

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the force of gravity and how it effects different objects that are put into acceleration when applied the experiment of free falling. They drop different objects that have a variety of masses and some that cause air...
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Mars

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students debate the ethical considerations involved in colonizing and terra-forming Mars. They have a preliminary discussion and view a video clip about Mars, then break into support and oppose groups to research and prepare their...
Lesson Plan
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Creating Craters

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore parts of an impact crater and compare and contrast craters found in Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Crater formation is modelled and the relationship of mass, velocity, and size of the projectile to the crater formation is...
Lesson Plan
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Biospheres

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders create models, practice inquiry skills, work with fellow students in teams, and reinforce concepts discussed in class all by using the theme of BIOSPHERES.
Lesson Plan
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Sweet Candy Comets

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use candy to make a comet. In this lesson, 4th graders examine the role comets have played throughout history, students watch NASA videos about comets and complete the lesson by making an edible model of a comet. This...
Lesson Plan
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The Life Cycle of a Star

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners investigate the life cycle of a star through research. Once research is complete, students prepare posters and present findings to class. Flash animation is included to help learners visualize life cycle of star researching.
Worksheet
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Forces That Shape the Earth: Wind, Water and Erosion

For Students 4th - 5th
In this forces of nature worksheet, students read a 2 page article on the forces of nature and answer 4 detailed comprehension questions about the forces of nature on Earth.
Lesson Plan
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Postcards From Mars

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research and explore what life would be like for human colonists on Mars. They explore various websites, read and discuss newspaper articles, develop a chart of the hardships and conditions that would be faced by colonists...
Lesson Plan
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Dangers Of Radiation Exposure

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the effects of radiation exposure and how it can effect objects on earth and space. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information to create a project that is reflective of good research...
Lesson Plan
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Hydrologic Cycle Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners explore the water cycle using educational resources. In this water cycle lesson, students use a global climate DVD to complete a scavenger hunt on the hydrologic (water) cycle.
Lesson Plan
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Modeling the Big Bang and the Formation of the Universe

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders conduct an experiment to understand the Big Bang Theory.  In this Big Bang Theory lesson, 6th graders will observe a balloon with confetti popping to emulate and analyze information related tot he Big Bang theory....
Lesson Plan
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Origins: Earth Is Born

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students develop a timeline of all the major events involved in the formation of the Earth and the emergence of humans. In groups, they focus on a specific topic by watching a PBS program and taking notes. After the video, they list...
Lesson Plan
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Taking Apart Owl Pellets

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students dissect an owl pellet. In this rodent and bone structure lesson, students work in groups to take apart an owl pellet. Students separate all the tiny bones from the fur and use the bones to reconstruct the rodent on a tag board....