What do the Cold War and the Space Race have in common? Learners search for that answer and many more, helping them to build their knowledge of historical global politics and tensions between nations. Following the reading, they answer...

Sixth graders identify and interpret the following: What is space?, Space Race, Living in space?, Man on the Moon, Astronaut training; students compare/contrast US and Russia space exploration. Students write a letter of application to...

Students identify the challenges encountered by astronauts in operating a planetary rover. For this space science lesson, students create a rover using their team members. They follow a command sequence from the driver and navigate...

Learners compare the reaction rates of effervescent antacid tablets under different conditions. They investigate methods of increasing the power of rocket fuels by manipulating surface area and temperature.

Fifth graders complete experiments with air to understand that air takes up space, has mass, and that air pressure can be changed. In this air pressure instructional activity, 5th graders test the air pressure by using balloons,...

Students explore the concept of "shape affects speed" through a series of experiments. In this physics instructional activity, students participate in an experiment in which various objects are released on an inclined plane. Speed and...

Students conduct an experiment about air volume, density, and pressure. In this air lesson, students discuss air, and how it moves. They make predictions about what will happen during the balloon and string experiment. They document the...

Students simulate driving a rover in Mars. In this space science lesson plan, students navigate an obstacle while blindfolded and guided by verbal commands only. They assess the challenges encountered by astronauts in operating a rover.

Participate in the 100th anniversary of the first flight. In groups, learners use the internet to research the roles the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart played in promoting the use of flight. They use the information to write and...

Students investigate current models for Lunar and Martian settlements and study the mathematics behind these designs. They design their own Lunar or Martian settlement with an explanation of why their model would work best.

Middle schoolers develop proper work and personal skills that will enable them to become competent and confident adults. Students analyze basic nutritional habits. Middle schoolers evaluate sport/athletic food patterns.

Students read the novel Stone Fox by John Reynold Gardiner. Using Lego RCX units, students build and program sleds to re-enact the "home stretch" of the National Dog Sled Race.

Young scholars experiment with bean growth in varied conditions.  In this plant biology lesson, students plant beans in soil and in spun cellulose (absorbent material in diapers) and measure the growth of their seedlings. They...

Students investigate their environment by growing plants in class.  In this botany instructional activity, students discuss the lifespan of plants and animals and how they must be cared for continuously over time.  Students...

Students participate in a series of timed relay races using their skeletal muscles. They compare the movement of skeletal muscle and relate how engineers help astronauts exercise skeletal muscles in space. They list the three types of...

Students race to keep these balls rolling. In this early childhood physical education lesson, students experiment with cause and effect as they work with different heights of cardboard tubes.

Third graders explore the ocean habitat. They race each other while portraying a different creature of the sea. They research various types of creatures found in the sea and portray that creature while racing classmate.

Students program RCX cars to relay information to one another via Mail when triggered by light sensors. The light sensors are appropriately spaced to allow for timed triggers.

Students investigate forms of energy as well as light and sound. In this science lesson, students participate in hands-on activities that require them to evaluate how sound affects astronauts in flight. A video of this lesson being...

Students study the metric system and examine other ways to measure.  For this measurement lesson students complete activities that help them to better understand the measuring system. 

Students construct a balloon-powered rocket car from a Styrofoam tray, pins, tape, and a flexible straw, and test it along a measured track on the floor. They experiment with ways of increasing the distance the rocket car travels.

Students state reasons why spiders are grouped in specific categories, including what distinguishes a spider from an insect. They report on their observations of the spiders. They illustrate their report with drawings in their journals.

Students use a ball to push and pull to demonstrate the concept of force. In this force lesson plan, students talk about the importance of force in space and use balls to demonstrate this phenomena.

Learners practice using measurements and bar graphs to solve a running problem in this active Math lesson for various age levels. The lesson meets state standards in Mathematics and requires the use of "math journals" for final...