Pluto Lesson Plans

Fourth graders use candy to make a comet. In this lesson, 4th graders examine the role comets have played throughout history, students watch NASA videos about comets and complete the lesson by making an edible model of a comet. This lesson includes several useful web links and a full materials list.

Learners investigate space science by creating a virtual postcard. In this solar system lesson, students identify the different planets in our solar system by researching a list of web sites. Learners create and share a digital postcard as though they have visted one of the 8 other planets.

If your students are studying the solar system, they will love this creative project. Learners do research on the solar system, and use a computer program to create a travel brochure about the planet of their choice. This lesson plan is chock full of resources and suggestions, making this project easy for both you and your students.

Second graders distinguish the different phases of the moon. In this astronomy lesson plan, 2nd graders study the history of its discovery and myths about its origin. They simulate how the moon's surface is illuminated by the sun.

Students play a game.  In this solar system instructional activity, students work in groups to develop five questions on planets, Earth, sun and constellations.  Students use these questions to play a game of Jeopardy for review.

Eighth graders explore scientific notation.  In this mathematics activity, 8th graders explore multiple representations of large number in scientific notation through the use of models, visual representation and expanded form.  The activity provided for flexible grouping options and addresses various learning styles.

Learners compare and contrast Earth and Saturn's planet features. In this space science lesson, students draw a diagram of the solar system and identify the different components. They complete a Saturn system scavenger hunt and Venn diagram after the activity.

Third graders study the features of different moons orbiting the planets. In this astronomy lesson, 3rd graders explore the different phases of the moon using an interactive online website. They compare and contrast the features of the Earth's moon and that of the Jupiter and Saturn.

Third graders identify the different planets that make up the solar system. In this space science lesson plan, 3rd graders construct a scale model of the major planets. They explore their different unique features and dress up as planets.

Students explore the long distances and timescales involved in space travel. They track the progress of the New Horizons spacecraft and access the New Horizons website to discover the distance of the spacecraft from the Sun, and then convert the true distance to the scaled-down distance represented on the New Horizons poster.