Curated OER
Astronomy
Students complete a unit of lessons on our solar system, its stars, and astronomers. They record information in a space journal, design constellations, define key vocabulary, observe the phases of the moon, and create a group planet...
Curated OER
Solar System (Lesson 2)
Eighth graders identify the objects that make up the solar system. They define new vocabulary and practice using them. They discover that the sun is a star.
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Periodic Table
Students identify the periodic table trends and predict material properties. They also design and conduct simple experiments and test material properties. Finally, students compare and contrast material properties and that chemical...
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Space Facts
Students read space facts and click on the links to research more about space objects. In this space lesson plan, students read about comets, planets, the moon, and more.
Curated OER
The Planet Earth
Students explore the planet Earth, outer space, and Earth's axis. They demonstrate reading comprehension skills, including literal meaning, inference and critical analysis.
Curated OER
How Long Would It Take To Travel To the Stars?
Young scholars consider the amount of time that it would take to get to the star, Sirius using various modes of transportation, some practical and some whimsical. The practicality of physically going to another star system is explored in...
Curated OER
Gamma Ray Bursts
Learners study an article on Gamma Rays. In this investigative lesson students study the energy and wavelengths of gamma rays and the theories behind them.
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Pea Brain! Explorations in Estimation
Students estimate how many peas fit in a container. For this science lesson, students calculate the weight of a pea and record it. They use this data to calculate how many peas fit in a human brain.
Curated OER
Extraterrestrial Communication: Can We Talk to Anybody Out There?
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.
Curated OER
Solar System
In this solar system, students review information about the planets found in our solar system. Students complete 15 fill in the blank questions and then find the 9 planets in a word search.
Curated OER
Beam Me Up Scotty#153
Students analyze population and land use data to predict future environmental problems. They use fictitious data for this exercise while pretending that they are helping aliens who have come to them for advice.
Curated OER
Mixed Prepositions
In this interactive prepositions worksheet, students practice using prepositions in sentences. Students choose the correct preposition for each blank in the passage. There are fifteen in all.
Curated OER
Journal of the Stars
Students receive balloons representing the "Life Cycle of the Stars." As the attached script is read, students follow the directions for the color of balloon they are given. Students chart the results for their star. They plot data from...
Curated OER
The Mathematical Fingerprint of Our Solar System
Young scholars study the beautiful mathematical model unique to our solar system.
Curated OER
Astronomical Scales
Learners 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...
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: Active Galaxies and Quasars
Describes quasars as being classified within the category of an active galaxy. A description of the emergence of high-energy. Definitions of key words are provided.gamma-ray quasars as an important component of the gamma-ray sky.
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Mc Donald Observatory: Stars and Galaxies
Do galaxies collide? Apply concepts of scale to grasp the distances between stars and galaxies.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: What We Can Learn From Galaxies Far, Far Away
By studying the properties of the universe's largest pieces we can learn quite a lot about our own world and galaxy. [6:43]
NASA
Nasa Star Child: The Universe (Level 2)
This site provides a description of the universe and what it contains. Includes links to definitions, activities, and an audio song. Printable version available.
NASA
Astronomy Picture of the Day: Quasar Galaxy Collision
An image of a quasar. The large redshifts imply that quasars lie near the edge of the observable universe and must emit tremendous amounts of energy. There are also many embedded links to related topics.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Galaxy Hunter: A Cosmic Photo Safari
Travel the universe and learn about galaxies. Investigate Hubble Deep Field observations to learn more.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: What's the Matter in the Galaxy?
A tutorial that looks at the components within a galaxy such as gas, dust, stars and objects that orbit stars. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Milky Way and Beyond: Globular Clusters
Globular clusters, compact groups of about a million stars that move around together in galaxies, are among the oldest objects found in the universe. Since they are found most galaxies and since they've been around for so long, globular...
National Earth Science Teachers Association
Windows to the Universe: History & People
Biographies of people throughout history who looked at the sky and wondered what was there. Links to a detailed description of the planets and interactive activities.