Space Lesson Plans

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 examine the facts and logistics connected to the space shuttle Columbia tragedy and present at a teach-in on the incident. February 3, 2003)

This lesson has students read a newspaper article about a compilation of information on human life that is to be projected into outer space from a pyramid in Mexico. They define vocabulary, complete comprehension worksheets, analyze the use of 'to' plus a base verb and participate in a class discussion to determine what information should be sent into space.

Students use photo images from space to create a large map of the United States or the world, find where they live and label other places they know. They are exposed to a Web resource that allows them to view photo images of Earth taken from space.

learners evaluate an existing space settlement design. They analyze a winning design plan that was submitted by learners to NASA as part of the Space Settlement Design Contest, participate in a class discussion, and complete an evaluation sheet.

Learners view a video clip about the role of satellites in space. They examine the concept of center of mass. They participate in an experiment showing how altering the location of an object's center of mass can change its motion.

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

In this lesson students explore our solar system, survival in space, and life in a space shuttle through a series of activities and games. The class re-enacts the bombardment of the planet Jupiter with a comet through a game of ball.

Students access prior knowledge and questions about space in a KWL. In this outer space lesson, students listen to readings about becoming an astronaut. Students simulate some experiences of the astronaut though experiments. Students record their thoughts about being an astronaut in their journals.

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