Nebulae Lesson Plans

Eighth graders explore the different types of nebulae that can be found in the solar system. They view a PowerPoint presentation about the material and identify each nebulae as it is presented. Students also discuss the life cycle of a star.

Eighth graders participate in several game like activities. The first, Planetary Orbit Race," involves two students holding a 12 meter rope. One member remains in their spot while the other races around in a circle. The rope represents gravity, the runner is a planet. The second activity, "Comet Time Trials," simulates a comets' orbit about the sun, and the third, "Weightless Ball," they simulate anti-gravity by keeping a beach ball aloft.

Students examine the solar system. In this space lesson, students identify the order of the planets and their relative size to the sun. Students create a scale model of our solar system using a variety of household objects.

Students hear of the recent discovery of a group of planets orbiting the star Upsilon Andromedae. Each student create a page about an element of the universe,

Sixth graders use the Internet to research stars. They discuss painting techniques that might be useful in painting stars and plan a painting of the night sky incorporating their research.

Students identify and sequence the major events that caused Earth to develop into a habitable planet. They view videos, conduct research, participate in discussions and work in groups to determine the likelihood of other habitable worlds.

Students develop a timeline of all the major events in the formation of the Earth and the emergence of humans. In groups, they focus on a specific topic watching a PBS program and take notes. After the video, they list their notes under the categories of facts, opinions or hypotheis. To end the lesson plan, they work together to examine space micrometeorites.

Students explore the major events that formed our universe and create a timeline.  In this space science timeline lesson plan, students investigate major events in groups and illustrate their event.  Students post their illustrations in a timeline.

Eighth graders identify the different stages in the life cycle of a star. In this astronomy lesson, 8th graders read H-R diagrams and analyze data. The describe how the Sun's evolution will affect Earth in the future.

Students explore the nature of electromagnetic spectrum through a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students determine how light behaves under certain circumstances. They explain how humans perceive colors.