Curated OER
Distance Makes a Difference
Students create a clay model of the Sun and Earth. In this space science lesson, students explain how distance affects the appearance of objects. They write a poem or riddle about the Sun in their journal.
Curated OER
The Sun
In this space science worksheet, learners identify and name which gases make up the sun and the name of the part of the sun that we can see from Earth. Then they describe a solar eclipse and draw a diagram illustrating what happens...
Curated OER
Chalkboard Challenge: Social Studies Online
If used as an independent review, this presentation could be a quick way for students to study U.S. History facts. Since it only presents a few simple facts, it would not be adequate for a comprehensive review, but a teacher could...
Curated OER
Sky Observations Sky & Cloud Windows
Young scholars observe the sky and weather to gather data. They conduct experiments to answer questions about the sky and weather phenomena. They measure, analyze and present data. They create sky windows by gluing sky colored paint...
Curated OER
Comparing Poems
Young literary analysts compare two poems by the same author. Readers look for slant rhyme, observe the beat and rhythm of each, and search for repeated vowel sounds. After re-reading, they observe the lack of punctuation and the stanza...
Mr. Jones's Science Class
Planet Presentation
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...
Curated OER
Knowing North: Understanding the Relationship Between Time and The Sun
Students determine how to find North using a watch and their shadow. In this finding North lesson, students go outside on a sunny day and work with their shadow and a wrist watch to find out which direction that North is. They examine...
Curated OER
Exploring Ultraviolet (UV) Light From the Sun
Students identify the different energy given off by the sun. In this earth science lesson, students predict where the UV beads will turn the darkest color. They explain the importance of using UV protection.
Curated OER
Martian Sun Times
Students become weather reporters for the Martian Sun Times newspaper to gather. interpret, and compare current weather information for Mas and Earth. Final articles be posted on-line. There are seven investigations in this unit.
Curated OER
Temperature Changes: Atmosphere & Ocean
Students observe temperature differences of water and air in sunlight and darkness. They determine that the sun warms the Earth's surface, which controls global currents and climate, keeping the earth habitable. They discover water and...
Curated OER
Lunar Lollipops
Young scholars work with a partner, Styrofoam ball and light source to simulate the positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun at various stages during the phases of the Moon. They describe why the Moon is visible from Earth and complete a...
Curated OER
Why is Summer Hot?
Learners examine how variations in temperature are due to the Sun and length of day. In this solar lesson plan students complete a lab activity using thermometers and artificial sunlight to see how the earth is heated.
Curated OER
Teaching the Complexities of Earth's Systems
An understanding of systems is integral to the study of the Earth.
Curated OER
The Universe
Learners recognize that the stages of evolution a star goes through are determined by the size of the star. They conduct research to draw a set of diagrams illustrating the stages in the evolution of three sizes of stars.
Curated OER
Types of Tides
In this tides worksheet, learners are given different diagrams of the sun, moon and earth in relation to each other. Students determine the type of tides created in each diagram and identify the phase of the moon.
Curated OER
Explore the Characteristics of Stars with Microsoft WorldWide Telescope
Students explore the characteristics of stars. For this space science activity, students use the Microsoft WorldWide Telescope program to identify the properties of stars and identify the stars in the galaxy.
Curated OER
The Magnetic Sun
Students follow steps to build a simple version of a magnetometer, an instrument capable of detecting areas of strong magnetic field. Students use the magnetometer to investigate models of the Sun and examine images of the Sun.
Curated OER
Show Me the Way To Go Home
Students place a pencil perpendicular to the ground and trace its shadow between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. They measure the length of the shadow, periodically over several hours, in either English or Metric units. Using the data, they find...
Illustrative Mathematics
Solar Eclipse
Learners take on the role of astronomers, calculating conditions necessary for a total solar eclipse. Concepts of similar triangles and properties of circles come together as pupils create ratios and use real measurements in determining...
Curated OER
Dimensions of the Solar System
A set of instructions that help learners draw concentric orbital arcs to scale of each planet. There is a table to complete with data and questions to check understanding of realistic orbits and relative sizes.
K12 Reader
Atmospheric Layers
In this two-part reading comprehension worksheet, kids read a passage about the atmospheric layers surrounding the earth and then respond to a series of comprehension questions based on the passage.
Q Continuum
Planets
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what constellation you were seeing or whether that bright object was a star or a planet? Are you searching for the best tilt-to-view constellation and planet app that money can't buy?...
K12 Reader
Plants Are Producers
Here's a handy two-part worksheet that uses an article about plants to assess reading comprehension. After reading the passage, kids answer questions based on the information in the text.
Curated OER
Excite the Night with a Look at the Moon
What better way to start a unit on space science than with a look at our beautiful moon?