Galaxies Lesson Plans

This lesson has learners expand their galactic knowledge by visiting Internet Websites to classify objects in the Hubble Deep Field Image. They discover how to use representative sampling to estimate the number of galaxies in the universe. In groups, they conduct stellar statistician and cosmic classifier activities located on the Hubble Deep Field Academy Website

Students practice skills used in scientific investigation while studying the three main types of galaxies. Students identify Earth as part of Milky Way galaxy, the parts of galaxies, and the types of galaxies, as well as classify galaxies by size and shape in a computer game.

Students explore the structure and content of galaxies. Through discussion, lab, and hands-on activities, they discover the general structure of the three types of galaxies as well as the effect they have on the structure and function of the universe. Two lessons are included.

Learners analyze a designated galaxy with a partner or in a small group.

Students research the constellations and discuss their findings. Then they construct their own maps of the galaxy using paper, black paint, aluminum foil, etc. They make a 3-D map of their chosen constellation.

This lesson has students examine the three types of galaxies and their parts.  In this galaxy lesson students use the Internet to research the different galaxies. 

This lesson has students use the provided website to classify galaxies after exploring information about elliptical, spiral, lenticular, and irregular galaxies and using the Hubble Tuning Fork.

In this lesson students discuss the Milky Way Galaxy, sort a set of galaxy cards based on traits or characteristics and complete a related worksheet. In this lesson students record sorting methods as well as new ones and discuss as a class. 

Students classify galaxies by their shape using the Hubble Tuning Fork Diagram.

8th graders take a quiz to review the different objects in space. As a class, they define terms related to galaxies. In groups, they make a model of the Milky Way galaxy using materials provided to them by their teacher. To end the lesson, they describe the three types of galaxies.