National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
The Zarkah Stone
Astronomy stars read the account of the Zarkah meteorite that struck thickly populated Park Forest, Chicago in 2003. In doing so, they differentiate between meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. They will also be able to explain...
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Astronomical Data
In this astronomy learning exercise, students use a chart with planetary data comparing the inner planets to each other. Students will use the period of rotation, period of revolution, and distance from the sun for these inner planets to...
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Tides
Young scholars discover how the position of the Sun, Moon and Earth affect tides. In this science activity, students view a presentation about the tides. Young scholars discuss the different types of tides.
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The Seasons of the Earth
In this seasons worksheet, 3rd graders study a diagram that shows the Earth's rotation around the sun as it relates to the seasons. They describe the position of the Earth during each season in a short answer format.
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Soil Comparison and Analysis
Students perform tests on different soil samples. In this earth science lesson, students classify the soil into groups according to test results. They write a lab report following a certain criteria.
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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...
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Illustrate the Constellations
Students explore space science by participating in a star identification activity. In this astronomy lesson, students identify different star patterns and discuss the movement of stars across the sky as the seasons change. Students...
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Meteorites
Students model how meteors fall to the surface of planets. In this space science lesson, students identify different types of meteorites using an interactive online website. They investigate the relationship between a meteorite's size...
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The Life Cycle of a Star
Students investigate the life cycle of a star and make conclusions based on evidence, research, and observation. In this lesson on space and scientific investigation, students describe the relationships between science and...
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Observing and Sketching the Lunar Surface
Students explore space science by conducting an illustration activity. For this lunar lesson, students discuss what the moon is and the role it plays for our environment on Earth. Students view images of the moon and utilize chalk to...
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The Expanding Universe
Students explore the expanding universe. In this science lesson plan, students use balloons to model the expansion of the universe. Students take measurements of the balloon expansion and answer questions directed to develop...
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Sun
Students study how the sun is at the center of the solar system. In this solar lesson students measure the altitude of the sun and its size.
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Distances to Stars
Students explore the idea of parallax. In this astronomy lesson, students study the distances of stars. They investigate how parallax can be used to determine these distances.
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Moon Phases
Five multiple choice questions are provided in the handout about the phases of the moon. A digaram is included to help astronomy learners answer the questions. The diagram is meant to represent the appearance of the moon from the...
Space Awareness
How Light Pollution Affects the Stars: Magnitude Readers
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...
Space Awareness
Model of a Black Hole
Even light cannot leave the force of a black hole! Learners use a model to explore the gravitational force of a black hole. An elastic bandage and heavy ball serve to create the hole, while marbles become the victims of its strong force.
Glynn County School System
Light, History, Gravity, Distance, Relativity, and Space-Time
Let the star's color be the guide! The color of a star indicates its temperature and its mass and distance affect the gravitational force. The lesson presentations address these concepts as well as how the theory of special relativity...
NASA
Taking Apart the Light
Break down light into spectra. Scholars learn how atoms emit and absorb photons and come to understand how this process allows scientists to identify different atoms based on either absorption lines or emission lines. Learners then...
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The 'Solar' System Past and Present
Students identify cardinal and intermediate directions, recognize that models changes due to new or improved observations and technology, identify the major characteristics of the planets including their positions in the solar system,...
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Watch This Space!
In this space worksheet, students, with a partner, answer five questions about the universe and read and discuss ten questions regarding astronomy.
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Anza and Font in Search of Latitude
This is an integrated activity that incorporates Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. In Social Studies, 7th graders complete an online interview and complete an online worksheet about latitude of sites on the Anza trail. In Science...
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Astrology: Fact Or Fiction?
High schoolers investigate the concept of astrology and how it evolved from history. They use the Zodiac in order to find the location of constellations in the night sky. The differences between astrology and astronomy are compared and...
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How Do We Know?
Students investigate the history of astronomy and how the study of constellations has evolved since the dawn of ancient civilization. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The teacher uses demonstrations to model how the...
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Solar System Bead Distance Activity
Middle schoolers create a scaled solar system model using colorful beads. In this space science activity, students convert AU units into metric measurements. They arrange the planets according to their distances from the sun.