Lesson Plan
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Making a Comet in the Classroom

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Learners study comets and how Halley's comet was created.  In this space lesson students create their own comets using dry ice.    
Lesson Plan
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Strange New Planet

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students simulate different spacecraft missions using materials provided. In this space science lesson, students observe and record a planetary model's features from a distance. They relate this activity to scientists' space exploration...
Lesson Plan
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Searching for Life on Mars

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students describe the environmental conditions in Mars. In this space science activity, students draw a Martian critter based on a fictional story read to them. They identify the special features an organism must have to survive in Mars.
Lesson Plan
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Solar Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the solar cycle through a series of experiments. For this space science lesson, students construct and evaluate solar cycle graphs. They explain how this phenomenon affects the Earth.
Lesson Plan
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Size and Shape

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students observe different substances under the microscope. In this space science lesson, students identify the different features of SEM images. They formulate a conclusion about the images of Mars meteorites.
Lesson Plan
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Make a Comet Model and Eat It!

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students construct a comet model based on procedure provided. In this space science lesson, students compare the physical properties of comets to the models they made. They record their observations and share them with the class.
Lesson Plan
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Searching for Meteorites

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students examine meteorites and attempt to recover meteorite fragments.  In this space lesson students complete a demonstration on the impact of a meteorite using water balloons and make experimental predictions.
Lesson Plan
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Rover Races

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students identify the challenges encountered by astronauts in operating a planetary rover. In this space science activity, students create a rover using their team members. They follow a command sequence from the driver and navigate...
Lesson Plan
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Meteorites

For Teachers 1st - 11th
Students model how meteors fall to the surface of planets. In this space science lesson, students identify different types of meteorites using an interactive online website. They investigate the relationship between a meteorite's size...
Lesson Plan
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Reflect on this Mote of Dust

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners explore space science by analyzing a speech by Carl Sagan. In this cosmos lesson, students view an online video of a speck of a "pale blue dot" in the distance of space which turns out to be Earth. Learners write an essay...
Lesson Plan
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Living On The Moon

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students evaluate what life would be like living on the moon or another planet in our solar system.  In this science lesson, students create a colony that they would use to live in on the moon using Legos. 
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Extraterrestrials

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss the possibility of intelligent life in space. In this space science lesson, students decipher a radio message electronically transmitted in space. They create their own extraterrestrial welcome greeting.
Lesson Plan
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Elements of Physics: Motion, Force and Gravity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about different human space explorations conducted by NASA. For this physical science lesson, students discuss why space exploration is important. They write a paper about their thoughts on continuing NASA's space...
Lesson Plan
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Understanding Space Travel

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study the unique environment of the moon and Mars. In this space science lesson, students design a city located in the outer space. They create a computer aided design, models or drawings of their cities and share them...
Lesson Plan
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Investigating Planetary Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about the search for life in Mars. In this space science lesson, students develop a creative visual display of their findings. They present their project in class.
Lesson Plan
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Exploration of Mars

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the three-phase strategy used by NASA for scientific exploration. In this space science lesson, students research past missions to Mars. They share their discoveries and create a timeline as a class.
Worksheet
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Lab

For Students 7th
In this space science worksheet, 7th graders use the star circles given but the teacher to complete 14 short answer questions. They plot the stars on the graph.
Lesson Plan
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Getting to Know Saturn: Moons, Rings, and Relationships

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students identify the different objects that orbit Saturn. For this space science lesson, students plot the graph of orbital speed and distance. They explain why planets and asteroids remain in orbit around the sun.
Lesson Plan
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The Earth, Sun, Moon, And Stars

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the solar system. In this solar system unit, 5th graders investigate numerous projects while rotating through learning centers. Students write about space and construct a space shuttle model. Students practice map...
Lesson Plan
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An Explorative Journey Through the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore space science by creating a planetary model in class. In this solar system lesson plan, students identify the many planets and moons that make up the solar system and decide on one entity in which to research. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Eyes in the Sky

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the use of satellites. In this research lesson, students discuss the history of satellites and how we use the information today. They will conduct interviews with older adults who have lived in the changing times from...
Lesson Plan
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Living in Space

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Learners explore space science by viewing a video in class. In this astronaut activity, students identify the living habits of astronauts by researching the NASA website and observing a space science video in class. Learners participate...
Lesson Plan
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Applied Science - Built Environment (6) Lab

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders look at toys in space. For this gravity lesson, 6th graders make predictions about what different toys will do with zero gravity. They watch a space video and see what happens to these toys in space.
Worksheet
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Cosmos

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature space science. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.