Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating Craters

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore parts of an impact crater and compare and contrast craters found in Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Crater formation is modelled and the relationship of mass, velocity, and size of the projectile to the crater formation is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Estimating The Number Of Civilizations In The Milky Way Galaxy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students estimate the number of civilizations in the galaxy by first estimating the number of craters on the Moon and then by performing estimates of multiple-variable systems culminating in the use of the Drake Equation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moon Observations

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders create a model of the moon and use a flashlight to illustrate the various stages of the moon.
Activity
Mr. Jones's Science Class

Planet Presentation

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Upper-elementary astronomers take on the role of interplanetary real estate salesmen. They research an assigned planet and create a PowerPoint to persuade the rest of the class to purchase property and move there. This fun project would...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Solar Cycle

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students research the solar cycle. In this Science instructional activity, students use the internet to investigate the solar cycle. Students produce a spreadsheet and graph from the information collected.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Life Cycle of a Star

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the life cycle of a star and make conclusions based on evidence, research, and observation.  In this lesson on space and scientific investigation, students describe the relationships between science and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Solar System

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers are introduced to the nine planets and countless moons of the solar system. Using the internet, they research one of the planets to determine if a manned mission to the planet would be possible. They share their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Life Cycle of a Star

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students investigate the life cycle of a star through research. Once research is complete, students prepare posters and present findings to class. Flash animation is included to help students visualize life cycle of star researching.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Next Logical Step in Astronomy

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students research future astronomy endeavors and how the exploration with contribute to astronomy and humanity. In this astronomy lesson plan, students research, present, and debate the topics as a class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sky Quest

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners identify constellations in the evening sky. In this Sky Quest lesson, students create their own star patterns using a star map worksheet. Learners explain how different celestial bodies in space are viewed through a telescope.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Being Nosy About Our Neighbors

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers use the scientific method to explore the effect of size on impact cratering. They compare images of landforms on Earth to those of other planets to compare surface processes. Students infer the geologic history of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Space" Investigations

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders understand the patterns of change observable on Earth as a result of the movement of the different bodies in the solar system. They identify the physical characteristics of the different components of the solar system.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plan a Mission to Recently Discovered Planet

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students plan a mission to a recently discovered planet. In this science lesson, students research spacecraft design, distances in space, long-term missions in space, and life-sustaining planets. Students work in groups to research an...