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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Mathematical Fingerprint of Our Solar System

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study the beautiful mathematical model unique to our solar system.
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Activity
Curated OER

Scale Activities

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed Standards
How do you put something as large as the universe in perspective? Use a series of scale experiments. Classmates collaborate around four experiments to examine the scale of the earth-moon system, our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Battle for Ultimate Power

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students gain an understanding of how the powers of 10 and scientific notation can be used to represent the scale of things in the universe. They relate the number of stars in the universe to the number of grains of sand on Earth's beaches.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Out of This World

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students are introduced to the solar system and its place in the universe. They begin to grasp the idea of very large numbers by estimating and computing how long it take the class to make a million x's.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Time That Period

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Physical science starters play with a pendulum in order to experience periodicity. Detailed procedures and a worksheet are included for day one. For day two, learners will use a graphing calculator to help them plot orbit data from a...
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Activity
NASA

The Drake Equation

For Students 9th - 11th
In this Drake Equation worksheet, students read about how scientists can estimate the number of intelligent civilizations that may exist in our galaxy. Students answer 7 questions about the Drake Equation and they use the internet to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extraterrestrial Communication: Can We Talk to Anybody Out There?

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the possibilities of communication with other living organisms within our solar system through research and hands on activities, as well as observing and analyzing teacher demonstrations.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Star Wars Activity

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate radiant energy by completing discrepant events and identify various temperature changes through absorption and how radiant energy can be used for solar panels. They experiment with different color fabrics in order...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Drake Equation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use the Drake Equation to calculate the probability of sustaining life on various planets. Through the use of the equation, they determine whether intelligent and advanced civilizations can be developed on planets other than...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

The Universe-Scientific Notation Extension

For Students 6th - 7th
In this scientific notation worksheet, students write a set of 9 average distances in standard form, then complete 3 additional problems. A reference web site is given for additional activities.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teachers' Notes: Switch Gets Ready!

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students practice multiplication facts, answer simple math questions from two, five, and ten times-tables, explore concept of halves and quarters, complete worksheet containing range of shapes to make shape picture, and sort data and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sunshine and Shadows

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students measure their shadows early in the morning, record direction of shadow, make marks in ground with chalk or tape, measure with ruler, and record results. Students repeat process at noon, and then later in afternoon. Students...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Astronomical Scales

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students 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 or very...