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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...
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Our Home in the Milky Way
Students gain appreciation of the vastness of our galaxy by viewing an applet about the Milky Way. Students hypothesize about how long it would take to get from Earth to Pluto.
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Earth's Place in the Solar System
Students study and discuss the planets. They create a visual representation of the layout of the solar system and color it. They also write an informative/narrative summary report on the cultural relevance of the Sun.
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Inside the KAO
Students construct a 1/80th scale model of the interior of the KAO aircraft, or lay out a full-scale mock-up in their classroom or auditorium. they calculate the sizes of various sections of the cabin.
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Jupiter's Moons
Students predict which of Jupiter's moons will be the "brightest" in infrared wavelengths. Using provided information, they rank the moos from brightes to faintest in infrared.
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Finding Jupiter's Moons
Young scholars explore Jupiter's Moons. They calculate and predict the location of Jupiter's 4 large moons. In addition, they draw Jupiter with its moons correctly shown for the time of the observation.
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Measuring Elevation
Learners practice measuring elevation, one of the key coordinates used by astronomers. They describe how the elevation of an object is measured.
and combine compass directions and elevation to find celestial objects.
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Fossil Guide
Young scholars produce a "Fossil Guide" that covers twelve fossils and includes a drawing and written description for each fossil. The written description should include such things as size, shape, and general appearance.
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Runaway Universe
Students complete a hands on activity to determine how scientists use indirect observations to define problems that are not directly measurable. They complete an associate student handout.
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Solar System Distance Activity
Students examine the distances between the Sun, planets, and smaller objects in the Solar System. They design a model using beads that shows the scale distances of the Solar System using astronomical units converted into a 10 centimeter...
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Mars Calendar Project
Young scholars design a calendar that displays time on Mars. They explore the differences between time on Earth and time on Mars while making the calendar.
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Station Information
Students investigate the International Space Station. They complete a KWL chart, participate in a class discussion, and draw a picture of the International Space Station.
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Rocket Me into Space
Fourth graders study the concept of thrust and how it propels rockets into space. They discover why airplanes cannot travel into space while considering the engineering techniques use in designing rockets. They look at how space...
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Weather Records
Students write newspaper articles based on weather records set around the world. Students read and discuss weather records and their results, then write a newspaper article about how the weather records have affected people around the...
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How Things Fly
Students, by drawing on their own experiences, discuss and examine the basic physics of flight. They participate in a variety of activities regarding flight.
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Out There: An Astronomical Project
Fourth graders complete a WebQuest involving astronomy and copyright laws. They conduct Internet research, complete the WebQuest, and design and publish a planet travel brochure.
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Where in the World is 5T?
Pupils use the Internet to research astronomy questions written by another class. As questions are answered, clues are given telling where the other class is "hiding" in the world.
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Where in the World is 5MT?
Pupils use the Internet to research astronomy questions written by another class. As questions are answered, clues are given telling where the other class is "hiding" in the world.
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Extraterrestrial Communication: Can We Talk to Anybody Out There?
Young scholars examine the possibilities of communication with other living organisms within our solar system through research and hands on activities, as well as observing and analyzing teacher demonstrations.
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As the World Turns
Third graders read books and participate in class discussions about the motion of the stars and planets and moons in relation to the Earth. In small groups, 3rd graders act out these movements to music.
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an Explorative Journey Through the Solar System
Students, in groups, research a planet from our solar system. They create Styrofoam models of the planets and place the planets on a correct distance scale from the sun.
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The Universe
Fifth graders identify and discuss responsibilities of careers related to the study of the universe, such as an astronomer or an astronaut. They compare what the world looks like now to what it might look like in the year 3000.
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Frozen Film
Students are introduced to the topic of light interference through this hands-on activity. They observe how light reflects off two surfaces and then meets to form an interesting variation of color on a film surface.
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Just How Big is this Place?
Students are introduced to the the formula for calculating travel time. They listen to different scenarios relating to long distance travel into space and calculate travel time using the formula.