Curated OER
Sun and Shadows
Why do shadows look different in the summer than in the winter? What causes day and night? How can a sundial be used to tell time? Answer these questions and more through two engaging lessons about light and shadows. Fourth and fifth...
Illustrative Mathematics
Tilt of Earth's Axis and the Four Seasons
Geometry meets earth science as high schoolers investigate the cause and features of the four seasons. The effects of Earth's axis tilt features prominently, along with both the rotation of the earth about the axis and its orbit about...
Curated OER
How Big Are Earth, Sun, and Moon?
Third graders draw what they believe is in space on a dry erase board. In groups, they are given a beaker half filled with water and they add a teaspoon of oil, observing the different layers that form. To end the lesson, they identify...
Curated OER
What Orbital Dynamic Variables are Responsible for Earth's Weather?
Learners explore the changing of the seasons. For this astronomy and seasons lesson, students construct a model of the revolution of the sun and the moon. Learners compare the recorded solstice/equinox orbital positions and explain the...
Curated OER
The Night Sky
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...
Curated OER
Changing Faces: A Study of Solar and Planetary Rotation Rates
Middle schoolers determine rotation rates of a variety of solar system objects using images and the Internet.
Curated OER
Knowing North: Understanding the Relationship Between Time and The Sun
Students determine how to find North using a watch and their shadow. In this finding North lesson, students go outside on a sunny day and work with their shadow and a wrist watch to find out which direction that North is. They examine...
Curated OER
Building a Scale Model
Third graders create a model of the solar system. In this solar system lesson plan, 3rd graders create a scale model of the solar system. Working in pairs students solve mathematical problems to correctly measure the distance each planet...
Curated OER
Our Sky Clock
Students explore space science by completing a worksheet in class. In this astronomy lesson, students discuss and identify star patterns in the night sky and relate these patterns to the approximate time they appear. Students complete an...
Curated OER
Gravity - The Glue of the Universe
Students explore physics by conducting a class experiment. In this gravitational force lesson, students define several scientific terms associated with force. Students utilize a styrofoam cup and marbles to simulate a satellite crashing...
Curated OER
Sunrise, Sunset: Quickly Go the Days
Students explore the concept of daylight. In this daylight lesson plan, students compare the amount of daylight on a particular day in Anchorage compared with daylight where they live. Students color maps of the US according to amount of...
Curated OER
Time Zones
Students are able to read and also use a variety of timetables and charts. They perform calculations with time, including 24-hour clock times and time zones. These are very important concepts that Students probably have to bear in mind...
Curated OER
'Tis a Long, Long Way to Tipperary!
Learners practice finding the location of cities across the world by using an interactive Web site, and figure out the world's time and the value of time zones the world over.
Curated OER
The Mayan Calendar
Students analyze the Mayan calendar and define its meaning. In this algebra lesson plan, students explain what the Mayan calendar means and how it works. They define the symbols and recreate a simplified version of the Mayan calendar.