Lesson Plan
Other

Simple Science: Planetary Gallery

For Teachers 5th - 8th
The innovative resource examines images of the Sun, Moon, Pluto, and all eight planets in the Solar System. Learners calculate the diameter of each object and rank the objects in order of size. The activity has an interactive online...
Unit Plan
NASA

Nasa: 21th Century Explorer: Why Do We Want to Study and Travel to Mars?

For Students 9th - 10th
This article answers some of the most common questions about Mars: Why is it red? Is there water on Mars? What else have scientists discovered from spacecraft that have landed there? Also, visitors can follow links to learn more about...
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: What Makes the Rings of Saturn?

For Students 3rd - 5th
Saturn is a unique planet because of the many beautiful rings surrounding it. How are all of those rings made? Why is each ring unique?
Website
California Institute of Technology

Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer: Neptune

For Students 3rd - 8th
Resource provides a deeper look at the planet Neptune. Just click on the frequently asked question link and dive into knowledge.
Lesson Plan
Other

Lunar and Planetary Institute: Explore! Discover Earth

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A variety of hands-on activities, investigations, and explorations designed to engage learners in discovering planet Earth.
Website
California Institute of Technology

Cool Cosmos: Ask an Astronomer: Pluto

For Students 3rd - 8th
Visit this site and learn more about Pluto. Provides the answers to kids' most frequently asked questions.
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: The Moon and the Stars

For Students 3rd - 5th
When you are in the city, only a few of the brightest stars are visible. But when you are in the country, you can see many more stars than you can count. Sometimes you can even see the bright belt of our galaxy, the Milky Way. In this...
Lesson Plan
Other

Lunar and Planetary Institute: Explore! Jupiter's Family Secrets

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
A variety of hands-on activities, investigations, and explorations designed to engage learners in discovering planet Jupiter.
Activity
National Geographic

National Geographic: Planetary Size and Distance Comparison

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students review the sizes of planets and their order relative to the Sun. They then learn about astronomical uses and create a model of the solar system that reflects planetary distances. Includes handouts and worksheets as well as a...
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Air and Space Museum: Exploring the Planets: Our Solar System

For Students 9th - 10th
Take a tour of our solar system and learn fascinating details and observations about the planets.
Article
BBC

Bbc Newsround: Pluto Pictures Show Hazy Horizon

For Students Pre-K - 1st
View photos of Pluto from NASA's New Horizons probe.
Article
Smithsonian Institution

Tween Tribune: What's Up With Saturn's Rings?

For Students 5th - 8th
Learn about the rings of Saturn.
Unit Plan
BBC

Bbc Newsround: Is There Life on Mars?

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site provides several reports on NASA's discovery of water on Mars.
Article
DOGO Media

Dogo News: Nasa Confirms Presence of Liquid Water on Mars

For Students 5th - 8th
Read about the fascinating discovery of liquid water on Mars. Includes video.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Air and Space Museum: Exploring the Planets: Early Discovery

For Students 9th - 10th
This section of the exhibition gives the history of the discovery and study of space starting with the Greeks and Romans through to the early 1900's.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs: Tour the Solar System

For Students 6th - 8th
Click on each space object to discover facts and other information about the many space objects that make up the solar system.
Article
DOGO Media

Dogo News: Earthlings Beam 90,000 Friendly Messages to Mars

For Students 3rd - 8th
Article reports on recent mission by a private space company to beam messages to Mars from Earth. Includes video.
Website
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Astronomy

For Students 3rd - 8th
Eight hands-on lessons module in which students explore the characteristics of planet Earth, its moons, the sun, the solar system, planets, and the difference between science fact and science fiction.
Handout
NASA

Nasa: The Space Place: Planet X Treme Weather

For Students 3rd - 8th
Ever wonder what the weather is like on other planets besides Earth? This resource explores the extreme weather that occurs on other planets.
Website
NASA

Goddard Education: Eclipse 99

For Students 9th - 10th
Information is provided about the eclipse of 1999; in addition, facts about elcipses throughout history are also included.
Website
NASA

Nasa Space Science Data Archive: Photo Gallery

For Students 9th - 10th
A website featuring a collection of images from NASA. Collection includes images of planets, comets, nebulae, galaxies, stars, sun, and spacecrafts.
Unit Plan
Texas Education Agency

Texas Gateway: The Sun Is the Center of the Solar System

For Students 9th - 10th
See what you know about the solar system by taking this brief interactive quiz and learning module.
Website
Other

Sea and Sky: A Tour of the Solar System

For Students 9th - 10th
Take a virtual tour of the solar system starting with detailed information about the sun.
Interactive
Other

Sunaeon: Solar System Scope

For Students 9th - 10th
Experience the solar system as you've never seen it before; up close and personal. Visit each planet by clicking on it, then selecting the play button to track its rotations through the calendar year. Watch the constellations move...