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Toys in Space

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Pupilsexplore how gravity affects the operation of toys and simple machines. They watch a video and experiment with simple machines.
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Mass

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students participate in a qualitative discussion of the distinction between weight and mass, followed by a description of astronaut mass measurements in a zero-g environment.
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Weight No More

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students relate the concept of gravity to math. For this algebra lesson, students define scientific terminology relative to gravity, weight and centripetal force. They measure the different dimensions of a cylinder as they discuss the...
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Weightlessness

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Young scholars use a coffee cup to demonstrate weightlessness. After a lecture/demo, students read an article on free-fall. They perform a simple experiment which helps them explain the concept of weightlessness.
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Life in Space: International Space Station

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore the potential challenges of living in space.  For this investigative lesson students search the Internet to locate 16 nations that are working together to build the Independent Space Station, then they divide into...
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Solar System: The Four Inner Planets and Earth's Moon and Astronauts

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders read THe Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. In this language arts and science lesson, 2nd graders explore the four inner planets. Students view the inner planets using Google Earth.
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How Much Would You Weigh On Distant Planets?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the effects of gravity on the planets of the Solar System. They view movies from the lunar Apollo missions, calculate their own weight on other planets, and propose what they might weigh on newly discovered planets around...
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MASS

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students distinguish between weight and mass. They examine how in oscillations of a mass against an elastic spring--in the absence of gravity, or in horizontal motion--the length of the oscillation period is proportional to the square...
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Far Out!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research and compare/contrast how routine tasks on Earth would be without gravity. They read and discuss the article "The Life Galactic: A Lot of Work, a Little Play, Plenty of E-Mail." In groups they write a pitch for a TV...
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Spaced Out

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students are introduced to the space environment. This lesson covers the major differences between the environment on Earth and that of outer space and the engineering challenges that arise because of these discrepancies. In order to...
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A Taste of Space Nutrition Unit

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders make a power point presentation about space nutrition and health.
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Outerspace: Frontier for Personal Health and Hygiene

For Teachers K - 5th
Students view photos of astronauts sleeping, eating, bathing, and using the toilet, and discuss hygiene problems in a zero-gravity environment. They contrast hygiene habits in space to those on Earth, and create storybooks illustrating...
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Designing and Constructing a Space Station

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students design a model station using a set of paper cutout. They determine the purposes for the parts of space stations before putting the parts together in an original set up. They role play as astronauts and Mission Control teams as...
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LIFE IN SPACE Human Body: An Un-Earthly Home

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students examine an effect of zero gravity on the human body using a baby food jar, balloons and a jar with a large mouth.
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Apollo Moon Landing

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore paper rockets, learn about the Apollo Program and Apollo spin-offs, and use simple office supplies to design and create a new useful product. This amazing plan is incredibly well written and leads students through a...
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Bones

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders observe real bones and models to learn about the structure and function of the skeletal system. In this skeletal system lesson plan, 5th graders manipulate objects and models of bones. They handle real bones and determine...
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Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students investigate how water goes from a solid to a liquid then back again.  In this experimental lesson students conduct their own experiment and see how water changes form. 
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Lesson 4 Activity 1: Mapping the Third Dimension

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students work in pairs to construct a simple stereoscope.
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Exploring the Night Sky: Summer

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how moon phases occur. They describe and explain at least two common misconceptions that people have about the moon. Students explain what a star is. They explain 3 ways that the night sky has been used throughout history.
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Design a Space Station

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate living in space. In this science lesson, 6th graders discuss what it is like to live in space and create their own space station or space city of the future.
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Exploring the Night Sky: Fall/Winter

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how moon phases occur. They explain three ways that the night sky has been used through history. Students locate some of the constellations in the night sky. They discuss stories and myths surrounding stars.
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What is ergonomics and why is it important?

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students come up with ideas to help friendly, superintelligent space aliens adapt to this environment.
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Mass

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students determine how mass is a property of an object that can be measured, and examine how size affects mass. They work with balances and determine what units of measurement are associated with mass. Finally, they determine the...
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A Day on the Space Station

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders discover what it would be like to live in space. In this technological advancements lesson, 5th graders discuss how space life would be different from Earth life. Students also identify how technology has made life in space...