Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Path of the Sun, the Ecliptic

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers 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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Gravity, Seasons, and Time

For Students 7th - 10th
For this Earth worksheet, students read about Earth's gravity, the reason the Earth has seasons, and time zones. Then students complete 21 multiple choice, 2 true or false, and 1 short answer question.
Lesson Plan
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The Sun's habitable Zone

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the average surface temperature of planets. They use the Planet Temperature Calculator to find the average temperature. Students explore how the distance from the sun affects the Earth's average surface temperature. They...
Lesson Plan
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Observing the Outer Planets

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Learners observe the outer planets. For this science lesson, students use a telescope locate the outer planets of the solar system. Learners create a video of their observations.
Lesson Plan
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A Different Kind of Rock Star

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars examine the mysteries of Mars. In this scientific comprehension instructional activity, students read a USA Today article and discuss questions about Mars. To conclude the instructional activity, young scholars engage in a...
Worksheet
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The Stellar Magnitude Scale

For Students 7th - 9th
In this stellar magnitude scale worksheet, students use a scale showing the magnitude of objects in the sky to answer 5 questions about the brightness of the moon, the planets and stars.
Worksheet
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Taxonomy, Classification, and Dichotomous Keys

For Students 6th - 12th
In this taxonomy worksheet, students use a dichotomous key for creatures found on planet Pamishan to identify each individual creature. This worksheet has 20 creatures to identify.
Worksheet
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IBEX Uses Fast-Moving Atoms to Map the Sky!

For Students 9th - 11th
In this energetic neutral atoms learning exercise, students solve 3 problems including determining the formula for particle speed, writing the equation to show the relationship between mass, energy and speed and determining the speed of...
Lesson Plan
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The Climate Change Skeptic's Argument: Natural Solar Cycles or Human Activity?

For Teachers Higher Ed
Teachers explore patterns in sunspots and total solar irradiance to understand the counterpoint to the human effect of global warming. In this professional development tool, teachers work through a lesson plan on the sun's natural...
Lesson Plan
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Sky Watching

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students complete night-sky observations to understand how our knowledge of the sky has been enhanced by telescopes. Students complete a timeline worksheet giving the history of telescopes. Students then then make their own observations...
Worksheet
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The Solar System

For Students 4th - 5th
In this crossword puzzle instructional activity, students read the 20 clues about the solar system. Students then complete the puzzle with 20 words related to the solar system.
Lesson Plan
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Astronomy: A Star Party

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the functions of a telescope. They name the parts of the telescope. After previously learning the planets and constellations, students identify and view them during a star party.
Lesson Plan
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Space Trader and Economics

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use handheld computer with the appropriate software to explore economic skills. They purchase and sell items, travel to planets, and earn enough money to purchase a moon by playing a computer based game.
Lesson Plan
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Patchwork of the Planet

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students are taught how satellite images can be joined to make a picture mosaic. They use actual satellite images to make satellite mosaics regions of the United States. Students use a camera to photograph portions of a globe in 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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Out of This World 1

For Students 4th - 6th
In this planets research skills worksheet, students use their research skills to fill in the blanks in 15 sentences regarding the planets.
Worksheet
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Out of this World! 1

For Students 4th - 5th
In this space science instructional activity, students use reference books or Internet searches to find the answers to 15 questions about the solar system.
Lesson Plan
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The Earth, Sun Mood and Stars Unit (Planets too!)

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders prepare five activities to do then show their energy saving skills.  In this investigative lesson students create five projects then participate in an energy saving demonstration. 
Lesson Plan
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How Did the First Asteroid Come to be Discovered?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine asteroids including how and when they were discovered.  In this asteroid lesson students view a PowerPoint presentation on asteroids.
Lesson Plan
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Measuring the Speed of Light

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore physics by completing measurement problems in class. For this speed of light lesson, students discuss the importance of knowing the speed of light and how it affects many aspects of human life on Earth. Learners identify...
Worksheet
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Solar System Multiple Choice Activity

For Students 3rd - 4th
In this solar system worksheet, students complete a ten question multiple choice page pertaining to the solar system. Prior knowledge is assumed.
Lesson Plan
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Sky Watching

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine telescopes and understand how they have helped us better understand the sky.  In this astronomy lesson students complete a worksheet and a lab activity.
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.
Lesson Plan
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Planetary Mobile

For Teachers K - 4th
Students receive pre-cut templates of cardboard with appropriate diameters of each planet and the sun. They use multi-colored construction paper, scissors, yarn, and other art supplies to create their own models of planets. When students...