High schoolers use diagrams of the constellation Orion and the constellation Ursa Major which show the distances between the stars of the constellations. They calculate the perimeters of each, find the average distance of the stars for...

The stars are aligned for a great interactive resource. The interactive contains a graphic of Ursa Major. Given a movable ray, pupils check to see if the three stars that make the handle are collinear. They investigate the...

Students plot constellations on a grid map. They discuss the various ways early explorers planned their travels. Students identify and recognize major constellations. They color their maps and take them home to try to find various...

In this connect-the-dots worksheet, student link the numbers starting at 1 and going through 60 to reveal a constellation and horoscope sign. They name it and check it with the answer which is given at the bottom of the page.

In this power-law functions worksheet, students solve 3 problems using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Experiment in the constellation Carina. Students use a photograph to determine the number of stars as bright as the brightest...

Seventh graders find constellation distances and plot the stars. In this star lesson, 7th graders plot the star points for Canis Major. Students use graphing calculators to graph the constellation. Students choose another constellation...

Seventh graders construct a three dimensional model of a constellation. In this constellation lesson plan, 7th graders make a blueprint for a scale model of the constellation and create their models. They present their models to the class.

Connect scientific notation to a real-life situation. Measuring distances in our solar system require large numbers. As pupils make conversions using these large numbers, they begin to see the necessity of scientific notation. They...

In this magnetic reconnection worksheet, students solve seven problems using the data and graphs from the THEMIS satellite constellations, which show a series of events triggered by a magnetic reconnection. Students interpret the data in...

In this galaxy worksheet, students use the Internet or other resources to answer 13 questions about the galaxy NGC-1232. They are given a photograph of the galaxy to help determine the width and diameter of certain regions of...

Students discuss reasons to record the location of stars. They view a picture of the night sky, and discuss constellations. Students complete a worksheet of the various shapes they see in the constellations.

In this field trip study guide for the planetarium show lesson plan, students construct a model of the Earth and describe the relative positions of the continents using latitude and longitude. Students construct a star chart to find...

In this distance between stars learning exercise, students use the 3-dimensional distance formula and Cartesian coordinates to find the distances of 10 given stars from the sun. They also determine which constellation each star belongs...

Third graders investigate space by researching their zodiac signs.  In this space science instructional activity, 3rd graders discuss the different zodiac symbols, their star representation and where the stars are located in the...

In this Eagle nebula worksheet, students solve 4 problems including finding the size of the nebula field, determining the scale of the image, determining how large the nebula is in millimeters and determining the size of the smallest...

In this XZ Tauri and coronal mass ejections learning exercise, learners use 3 photographs taken by the Hubble Space Telescope to solve 4 problems. They find the scale of the images, they determine the number of kilometers the XZ Tauri...

In this modeling a planetary nebula worksheet, students use a diagram to calculate the intensity at different radii from the center of the nebula. Students use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the distance between two points on the...

Seventh graders study ratios, scale and distances according to a three dimensional model.  In this exploratory lesson students create their own constellation and prepare an oral presentation that describes their model. 

Third graders develop questions they have about the solar system. After being read a book, they view and discuss different constellations in the sky. In groups, they are given a piece of butcher paper and glow in the dark crayons in...

High schoolers read about the Spitzer Space Telescope and the technology used to learn about planet composition. They calculate the radius of a planet, the size of a planet, the average density of a planet and the likely core composition...

Here is a planet worksheet in which learners read about organic molecules detected through spectral lines of the planet Osiris. They calculate the mass, the volume and the densities of common ingredients for planets including Osiris and...

Discover the science behind astronomy. After reading the book Maria's Comet, which is about a young woman who breaks new ground by becoming a female astronomer, young learners practice reading comprehension with...

Students discover the types of batteries and their uses. They experience static electricity by rubbing glass jars and using it to raise their hair. After discussing the importance of recycling batteries and using ones that are...

Students will use scientific reasoning to formulate ideas about the formation of the universe using the Big Bang Theory. The use of critical thinking skills is part of the activity and the foundation of the scientific method will serve...