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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Solar System

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to the nine planets and countless moons of the solar system. Using the internet, they research one of the planets to determine if a manned mission to the planet would be possible. They share their information...
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Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Planet Line-Ups

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Should Pluto be considered a planet or a dwarf planet? Scholars research planets in our solar system to understand their similarities and differences. It also includes memory activities related to the order of the planets. 
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Activity
Mr. Jones's Science Class

Planet Presentation

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Upper-elementary astronomers take on the role of interplanetary real estate salesmen. They research an assigned planet and create a PowerPoint to persuade the rest of the class to purchase property and move there. This fun project would...
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Interactive
American Museum of Natural History

Planetary Mysteries

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
Get to know our little part of the vast universe. Learners read about the common and not-so-common facts about each of the planets in the solar system. The interactive lesson includes a large amount of information as well as a quiz to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Out-of-This-World Crossword Puzzle

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
An interactive web site allows students to create crossword puzzles online after researching planets and Sun in the Earth's solar system facts. They complete crossword puzzles created by classmates.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planets of the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students use the internet to research the planets in the solar system. Using the information they collect, they design and create a webpage with the data. They present their material to the class and answer any questions presented to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar System Slide Show

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students work in small groups to research a planet in our Solar System in order to compare it to Earth. They examine the planet's size, atmosphere, rotation and revolution periods, temperature, and other attributes. They collect...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Idol Presents: Solar System Night

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore facts about the solar system. They conduct research, and compose lyrics to well-known songs about one of the planets or various members of the solar system.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Journey To The Solar System

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders engage in a lesson plan to find different facts and connect them to the concept of the solar system. They conduct research using the technology integration of the internet. Using the information the students create a...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Journey Through Our Solar System

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the concept of the solar system in our universe by constructing a model that is made to a measurable scale. Once the model is constructed it should be placed in a wide open space for observation and demonstration...
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Article
NASA

Blinded by the Light!

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Pupils learn of multiple ways astronomers look for planets outside of the solar system. By completing a hands-on activity, scholars discover that trying to see the planets directly because of the glare from the nearby star is nearly...
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Activity
It's About Time

The Earth-Moon System

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Explore the earth-moon system with blossoming astronomers in this fun-filled activity. They begin by investigating lunar phases and differentiating between each. They continue the activity by learning about tidal forces and how these are...
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eBook
NASA

The Saturn System Through the Eyes of Cassini

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Get a close-up view of Saturn. Pupils read a NASA eBook filled with images of the Saturn system, including the rings and moons of Saturn along with images of the planet itself. Learners become familiar with the planet's system as they...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planets in Balance

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study the solar system by researching the planets.  In this exploratory lesson students divide into teams and create mobiles.
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Lesson Plan
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Teach Engineering

Manned Mission to Mars

For Teachers 6th - 8th
To go or to not to go — the question for a mission to Mars. This resource provides details for a possible manned mission to Mars. Details include a launch schedule, what life would be like on the surface, and how the astronauts would...
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App
GoSoftWorks

GoSkyWatch Planetarium for iPad - The Astronomy Star Guide

For Students 6th - Higher Ed
Digital compass alignment enables navigation of the skies with true orientation at any time. Just point to the sky or "aim for the stars!" This application acts as a virtual telescope, allowing you to zoom in on any object that is...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wish You Were Here

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students work in small groups to research information about planets in the solar system. They create picture postcards from space, drawing images they imagine they would see while traveling to a planet. They then write personal messages...
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Instructional Video6:10
Coloring Castle

Planets

For Teachers K - 5th
From Mercury to Uranus, this printable coloring page includes images of all eight planets found in our solar system, making it a fun way to engage young scientists in learning about outer space. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planets in Our Solar System

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders are introduced to the various planets, stars and moons in our solar system. Using photographs, they place the planets into the correct order from the sun. In groups, they research one planet, create a fact sheet and make...
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Worksheet
K5 Learning

The Sun and the Stars

For Students 3rd - 5th Standards
How are the stars similar to the sun in our galaxy? Learn all about the solar system with a reading excerpt about the sun and the stars. Kids read an informational passage before they answer questions about reading comprehension,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sample the Solar System

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students identify different features of the solar system. They analyze the sun, moon, planets, comets, and asteroids. They use the Internet and other resource sources to find information about the solar system.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Solar System

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scholars explain the classification of planets according to various criteria. They create charts illustrating comparative data.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Best of the Solar System (Grades 6-8)

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to planetary research and become familiar with the planets and their features. They view images of the planets, and fill in an information chart which is imbedded in this plan.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring The Neighborhood of the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explain why exploring the universe for life on other planets is an important field of study. They use mathematical formulas to calculate the temperatures of planets as it relates to their distance from the sun. Students use...