Young scholars parcticipate in a modeling activity that simulates the cyclical role of experimental and theoretical science. Initially, students measure the mass of popcorn. They also record predictions of the mass of the kernels after...

Students examine telescopes and understand how they have helped us better understand the sky.  In this astronomy lesson students complete a worksheet and a lab activity.

Sixth graders explore the planets through an interactive web site. In this astronomy based lesson plan, 6th graders compare planets, explore comets, and discover planet facts through a variety of activities provided by the Smithsonian...

Ninth graders study the uses of spectroscopy and the operation of the Hubble space telescope.  In this astronomy lesson students complete a lab activity that includes graphing star color and temperature.

Students 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 life at...

Young scientists know it is hotter along the equator, but why is it also rainier? Through the process of completing two experiments and a worksheet, scholars discover the answer is the intertropical convergence zone. First, they...

Fourth graders predict constellations each month. In this astronomy lesson, 4th graders are presented with two constellations every month, and guess what they are as clues are given.

Students investigate the supposed traveling path of a meteorite. They use sound in order to triangulate the path. The results of the experiment are written on a map to display the path of the meteorite. The culminating activity is when...

Students examine the concept of projectile motion and identify the 3 components of projectile motion. They explore how physics applies to punting a football through punting activities and internet research.

Third graders study light and shadow, participate in mirror activities, and build a periscope.

Students using different experiments and activities explore electromagnetic radiation and the effect on the Earth.

Students investigate the concept of star mapping and how it is used in space navigation. They conduct various activities to see the effect of mapping. Also the teacher uses models and demonstrations in order to communicate the main...

Learners examine the relationship between temperature and brightness.  In this astronomy instructional activity students will correlate the evolution of stars to the HR diagram plotted. 

Oceans absorb half of the carbon dioxide and 80 percent of the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Scholars learn how and why the oceans store heat more effectively than land and how they help mitigate global warming. Pupils...

Did you know light can decrease visibility? Light pollution absolutely makes it more difficult to see stars. Scholars build a simple magnitude reader to determine the magnitude of stars. They use these data to estimate the impact of...

Students model how a gyroscope works with string, an old phonograph record and crayon.

Students choose an interesting problem related to space travel and then design a plan to solve the problem. They present their solution to the class.

Young scholars examine an effect of zero gravity on the human body using a baby food jar, balloons and a jar with a large mouth.

Seventh graders create a model of an earth centered solar system and a model of the sun centered solar system. As a class, they discuss why the earlier astronomers believed their model and why it changed when evidence arose that this...

Third graders investigate what an astronomer is and what he studies in the solar system.

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.

Students explore the night sky and make illustrations which are shared in class the next day. Distinctions are made between the stars and the planets and views of the constellations for the season are made available. The work of early...

Students analyze a designated galaxy with a partner or in a small group.

Young scholars explain the reason for the changes in season. In this lesson examining the relationship between the Earth and the Sun, students use an applet to discover how the alignment of the Earth and the Sun cause the change in...