Curated OER
Three D Constellations
Students are introduced to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder. They convert spherical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates to construct a three dimensional model of a constellation...
Curated OER
Star Master Viewer
Students construct the viewing tubes by cutting along the designated line shown on the template, rolling the paper into a tube, and taping the tube securely. Next they cut out the cardstock circles - the StarCards cutting on the outside...
Curated OER
The Mystery Constellation
Students decipher two teacher chosen mystery constellations a month. They listen to stories, explain what they know about constellations and name the mystery constellation.
Curated OER
Mystery Constellations
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.
Curated OER
Space Science: Constellations and the Sun
Students review the zodiac signs and illustrate their movement using constellations on the wall and themselves to represent earth. Individually or in groups, they stand in the center of the room while a shadeless lamp is placed between...
Curated OER
Constellations
Students explore constellations. They read trade books about constellations and write notes including their locations, origins, and names. They research and report on one constellation in the Northern Hemisphere and share their report...
Curated OER
Sky Pictures
Students investigate constellations. In this space science lesson, students view transparencies of constellations and identify the zodiac constellations. Students research the legends connected with the constellations.
Curated OER
Star Stories
Students study constellations and the stories that go with them. They identify at least 3 constellations in the night sky. Students recognize some of the myths surrounding the constellations. They create their own constellation and myth.
Curated OER
Star Frames
Fourth graders study constellations. In this space science instructional activity, 4th graders discover what makes stars, how bright stars are, and why constellations were created. Students make their own constellation using Saran Wrap...
Curated OER
High in the Sky
Sixth graders explore the concept of constellations. In this constellations lesson plan, 6th graders research Internet and print sources regarding constellations, particularly those that are named for mythological creatures. Students...
Curated OER
Star Art
Students study about stars, constellations, and myths that accompany them. Then they create their own constellation using black paper and toothpicks and write a myth about their constellation. Their constellation can be viewed on an...
Curated OER
Chart the Stars
Seventh graders find constellation distances and plot the stars. In this star lesson plan, 7th graders plot the star points for Canis Major. Students use graphing calculators to graph the constellation. Students choose another...
Curated OER
Summer Sky Tour
Students explore space science by participating in a constellation identification activity. In this astronomy lesson, students view star charts based on the different seasons and define a list of astronomy related terms. Students...
Curated OER
Designed to Scale
Seventh graders construct a three dimensional model of a constellation. In this constellation lesson, 7th graders make a blueprint for a scale model of the constellation and create their models. They present their models to the class.
Curated OER
Exploring the Night Sky: Fall/Winter
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.
Curated OER
Star Gazers
Students research stars, constellations, planets and galaxies including names, shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and ages. They suspend the stars and planets from the ceiling and change monthy to display the various constellations. As a...
Curated OER
Finding Out About the Stars and Planets
Young scholars complete a web-based activity to study the planets and solar system. Students complete a number of activities including a slide show that depict the true facts about planets.
Curated OER
Our Sky: Home of Stars and Planets
Students discover that astronomy is a branch of science that includes the study of planets, stars, and constellations.
Curated OER
How Do We Know...?
Students identify and explain how various inventions and astronomers have improved our appreciation of the universe. Students identify at least two constellations in the sky and discuss how they were used in ancient times to tell time...
Curated OER
Starring...Bears!
Students illustrate a First Nations' legend. In this legend of bears instructional activity, students read several legends which involve bears and groups of stars or constellations. After reading, students illustrate portions of the...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Day and Night Sky
Students explore space science by participating in a sky observation activity. In this astronomy lesson, students define a list of astronomy vocabulary terms and examine star charts of the four seasons. Students gather with their...
Curated OER
Multicultural Sun, Moon, and Star Activities
Students research the multicultural stories and artistic representations of the Sun, Moon, and stars. In this multicultural space lesson, students discuss the symbols and stories for the sun in various cultures. Students construct a...
California Academy of Science
Kinesthetic Astronomy: Earth's Rotation
After completing the activity, "Kinesthetic Astronomy: The Meaning of a Year," zoom in on Earth's rotation using the same simulation setup and this outline. Each class member dons a map of the Western Hemisphere and plays the part of...
Curated OER
Three D Constellations
Students address a major misconception in astronomy, the understanding of scale. The lesson is designed to introduce students to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder, parallax.