NASA
Keeping Nine Eyes on the Weather
Take a look at climate change from another angle. Readers learn about the MISR instrument on the Terra satellite and how it studies Earth. Pupils experience how the multiple cameras give scientists multiple views so they can better study...
Bowland
Sundials!
Time to learn about sundials. Scholars see how to build sundials after learning about Earth's rotation and its relation to time. The unit describes several different types of possible sundials, so choose the one that fits your needs — or...
University of Texas
Observing the Moon
Why does it look like there is a man on the moon? Why does the moon look different every night? These are the focus questions of a lesson that prompts class members to observe and record the nightly changes of Earth's natural satellite.
Curated OER
May The Earth Be Revolving Around The Sun?
Students trace the beginning of the heliocentric theory of the solar system--the idea that the solar system revolves around the Sun--to an observation by the Greek astronomer Aristarchus, which convinced him that the Sun was much bigger...
Curated OER
Around the Sun We Go
Sixth graders complete a short survey on the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. In groups, they participate in an experiment in which they test the angle of the Earth and compare it to the sun. To end the lesson, they discuss...
Curated OER
Science Trail
Students explore the solar system by conducting Earth science experiments. In this Sun lesson, students identify the different seasons on Earth and discuss their purpose and cause. Students create a sundial and observe the changes to...
Curated OER
Activity Plan Mixed Ages: Sunny Science
Students develop problem-solving, observation, and critical-thinking skills. In this early childhood lesson, students explore the topic of the sun as they notice shadows and light.
Curated OER
Weather Olympics
Students consider the effects of topography on climate patterns. In this earth science instructional activity, students research weather patterns and make inferences of how the land forms may create different climates. Students compare...
Curated OER
Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius
Young scholars view a video clip about volcanoes. They collect data and create maps to see the relationship between volcanoes, earthquakes and plates. They share their maps with the class.
Curated OER
Elephant Earth Adventures . . .
For this reading comprehension about African elephants worksheet, students read factual passages about their physical characteristics, amazing facts, tusk uses, ears, trunk, skin, movement, food needs, extended families, and the active...
Curated OER
Solar Eclipse
Students demonstrate the revolution of the moon around the earth and the effect of its direct alignment in between the earth and the sun.
Curated OER
Studying Shadows
Students measure shadows and explore the altitude of the sun. For this sun lesson students will graph the length of shadows and solar altitude against time.
Curated OER
Orientation of the Earth in Space
Students hypothesize the location of the sun in the sky at diferent times of day and at different latitudes. They perform several experiments to provide evidence for their hypothesis. Experiments including observing the sun's position at...
Curated OER
Moon Phases - Finally Making Sense of Them
Students investigate the different phases of the moon. In this lunar cycle lesson, students create models of the sun, earth and moon and investigate why we observe the moon the way we do. Students observe a PowerPoint presentation...
Curated OER
Reasons for the Seasons
This worksheet requires the pupils to follow a teacher activity, so more-than-the-usual preparation for a practical is needed. Looking at a globe as it rotates and receives "sunlight" from a flashlight, pupils are able to observe the...
Curated OER
How Mountains Shape Climate
Students use raw data to make a climatograph; they explain the process of orographic precipitation and the concept of a rain shadow.
Curated OER
Sun's Path
Students explore the movement of the sun across the sky. For this science lesson, students use clear plastic hemispheres and markers to record how the sun moves across the sky. Students write directions so the activity could be repeated.
Curated OER
Sun
Young scholars study how the sun is at the center of the solar system. In this solar lesson students measure the altitude of the sun and its size.
Curated OER
Rain Shadows and Sea Breezes
Young scholars plot the average rainfall for a variety of cities in the United States. Using the map, they work together to determine patterns on which toxicants are transported through the air. They determine the impacts of various...
Curated OER
Earth's Moon
In this moon instructional activity, high schoolers review the different phases of the moon and differences between a lunar and solar eclipse. This instructional activity has 13 fill in the blank and 5 true or false questions.
K5 Learning
The Moon
Second graders read a short informational text passage about the moon and answer a series of questions based on what they read.
Columbus City Schools
Experiencing Eclipses
Don't be caught in the dark! Young scientists investigate the causes of both solar and lunar eclipses using an interactive to help them understand the development of an eclipse over time. They then research facts and characteristics of...
North American Montessori Center
Sun and Moon Autumnal Equinox Activities
Two hands-on activities celebrate the sun and moon autumnal equinox. First, scholars create a cairn using a shoebox, flashlight, and drawing tools to view the sun's progression. Second, learners take to the kitchen to bake mooncakes and...