Students engage in a lesson plan that covers the concept of different phases of the moon. They name the cycles of the phases of the moon while using flashlights to simulate the light of the sun. They research information about several...

Students identify the dates of the solstices and equinoxes and how they relate to the various seasons on Earth. After discussing how the solstice and equinox affect the seasons, students use their bodies to demonstrate the how each...

Young scholars explore the topic of astrology and review the beliefs behind it. They read sample horoscopes. Using a portable digital planetarium, they view the night sky and the zodiac constellations. They examine and discuss the...

Students explain why exploring the universe for life on other planets is an important field of study. They use mathematical formulas to calculate the temperatures of planets as it relates to their distance from the sun. Students use...

Students explore linear relationships. The lesson uses science to develop an understanding of the expanding Universe. There are 3 Labs, only 2 of which are required. Lab C is an enrichment for higher level classes.

First graders examine and describe the characteristics of the four seasons. Using a computer, they write one sentence about each of the four seasons and draws an illustration to accompany it. They present each drawing and sentence to the...

Young scholars incorporate the knowledge they learned about spiders on the ISM Web site, Spider Collection, and other Web sites they viewed on spiders to write a rhyming poem (possibly choosing a poem type illustrated here) about an...

In this science worksheet, 3rd graders focus on the stars and constellations. Students respond to nine questions using written clues and visual aids.

Students investigate constellations. For this space science lesson, students view transparencies of constellations and identify the zodiac constellations. Students research the legends connected with the constellations.

Students examine our society's fascination with Mars.  In this journalism lesson students read an article that outlines the various ways Mars has captured our imagination and are given topics for discussion and a chart to...

Sixth graders explore popular ideas about the Sun and Moon. In this space science lesson, 6th graders separate commonly accepted details about our solar system into facts and myths. Students research a particular idea and...

Students explore letter Aa. In this letter recognition lesson, students participate in country, state, food, literature, physical education, colors, careers, music, and game activities that are linked to the main lesson page....

Sixth graders explore the concept of constellations. In this constellations lesson, 6th graders research Internet and print sources regarding constellations, particularly those that are named for mythological creatures. Students compose...

Students write Sun and Moon poetry. In this poetry instructional activity, students research the sun and the moon.  They write poetry and create two class baskets for descriptive words about each.

Students make up questions in groups about the solar system and quiz the other group. In this solar system lesson plan, students demonstrate good cooperative learning techniques by reviewing the solar system together and quizzing each...

Young scholars observe star charts to understand the difference between a star and a planet. In this star lesson plan, students also explain why we see different stars at different times of the year.

Students find the circumference of various round objects.  In this finding the circumference of various round objects lesson, students find the circumference of the Earth.  Students find the circumference of trees, tires, and...

Students analyze the meaning of Maya glyphs. In this Mayan communication lesson, students use Mayan symbols to calculate their birthdates according to Maya Long Count.

Learners examine Mayan contributions to the world. In this Mesoamerican culture lesson, students view a slideshow about the Maya and then peruse books about the accomplishments of the culture. Learners create...

Young scholars explore space science by reviewing scientific vocabulary terms. In this planet identification instructional activity, students identify the nine planets in our solar system and discuss which ones could potentially harbor...

Fourth graders design a brochure based on the planet that they researched. For this planets lesson plan, 4th graders include the data, important facts, and completed as a team.

Students create a sundial to measure local apparent time as it relates to the position of the sun in the sky. In this sundial lesson, students cut and glue gnomon to a sheet of thin cardboard.  Students then set the sundial in an...

Students use online websites to inquire about the cycle of day and night. In this web based lesson, students are able to see the movement of the sun and Earth. Students can look at different parts of the Earth as if they were on the Sun...

High schoolers construct equilateral triangles and a 'laser' triangle.  In this reflection instructional activity students build a retro-reflector using mirrors.