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.

Can we model how large the solar system really is? Attempt an astronomical feat with a hands-on-activity that uses a roll of toilet paper. Young scientists measure the distances of the planets from the sun to create a scale model of the...

Young astronomers travel through the solar system in the pages of this printable book. With clear pictures and simple sentence structure, this is a perfect resource for exploring the planets in the early elementary grade levels.

New ReviewCreating a solar system map is a snap thanks to a hands-on activity! Science scholars explore the solar system by building it wherever they choose during an interactive from PBS's Space series. Users pick both the location and scale for...

How in the world can something as big as the solar system possibly fit in your pocket? Complete this simple modeling activity and find out, as young scientists gain an appreciation for the incredible scale of outer space.

Everyone loves learning about the solar system. Learners choose a planet to do research on and are evaluated on a precise summary of the planet they chose. They work in small groups to do this activity and post the summary on...

Learners construct a scale model of the solar system in a long hallway or playing field. They discuss the fact that most of the solar system is empty space, and that outer planets are much farther apart than inner planets. They also talk...

Space scientistse examine facts about the solar system through the collection of solar system trading cards. They explore various websites, answer questions, and collect solar system trading cards for correct answers.

Orbit diagrams appear to be a work of mathematical art. The simulation helps scholars build their own systems of planets, stars, moons, etc., to observe their orbits. By altering their positions, velocities, and masses, a variety of...

For this space science worksheet, students use the clues at the bottom of the sheet to solve the crossword puzzle on our solar system. They identify the different planets and their location in relation to the sun.

Survey the solar system by viewing this PowerPoint. Amateur astronomers discover that gravity is responsible for Earth's orbit around the sun and the moon's orbit around Earth. They explore the moon's phases and Earth's seasons. This...

Math and science come together in this cross-curricular astronomy lesson plan on planetary motion. Starting off with a hands-on activity that engages the class in exploring the geometry of circles and ellipses, this lesson plan then...

Discover the transition from circular orbit theories to elliptical orbits. An episode of a video series on astronomy models the different elliptical shapes of the orbits of the planets in the solar systems. Using string, the presenter...

Explore the solar system in detail, from it's origins to its components.  Visual data gathered by actual space missions has been used to create the images and animations on each page of this stellar electronic book about the solar...

Fifteen questions about our solar system make up this interactive review game. It was written by a teacher in the UK, and therefore the monetary winnings for answering correctly are in pounds. The content applies, however, to any...

Create a scaled model of our solar system in your classroom! Scholars work collaboratively to build paper mache planets and hang them in their proper position to showcase each planet's location in the solar system.   

New ReviewHere's a tour that sure not to bore! Young astronomers investigate the planets of our solar system using an interactive lesson from PBS's Space series. The resource contains informational videos, a reading passage, and extensions to...

People have been using solar energy for many generations to dry crops, heat homes, and for light. This presentation explains how now it is possible to capture the solar energy and store it for future use, details how and where people use...

Combine an exploration of the solar system with comprehension activities using this resource. Learners complete reading, writing, and science activities related to the book Our Solar System: The Moon. They complete journal entries, go...

Trading cards or tourism post cards are to be designed by space scientists for each planet, comets, and asteroids. One the front side, each card must have a hand-drawn color picture of the body, its name, and the Roman god from which it...

A diagram of Earth's path around the sun, including the position of the moon, is displayed at the top of the activity. Five multiple questions get astronomers to analyze the diagram considering what is going on in the solar system. Use...

Go on a galactic tour like no other! The perfect idea to wrap up a solar-system unit, an interactive video leads the class from the sun to the Kuiper Belt. Pan around the screen as the narrator describes each of the main features in our...

Students research solar energy. In this solar energy activity, students construct a KWL chart and research solar energy through various websites and related readings. Students complete a science journal page as an assessment.

Fourth and fifth graders will love showing what they know about the planets and our solar system. This game is fashioned after "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and has the class work through fifteen different solar system related...