Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Sun

For Teachers 8th - 10th
In this space science worksheet, students identify and name which gases make up the sun and the name of the part of the sun that we can see from Earth. Then they describe a solar eclipse and draw a diagram illustrating what happens...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth's Seasons

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders review the relationship between the Sun and the Earth. In groups, they use a globe and flashlights to show the shadows on the Earth during the different seasons. To end the lesson, they write in their journals about their...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Our Solar System

For Students 7th - 9th
In this space science worksheet, students use the clues at the bottom of the sheet to solve the crossword puzzle on our solar system. They identify the different planets and their location in relation to the sun.
App
1
1
Vosonos

Interactive Minds: Solar System

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Travel through space as you learn about the galaxy, solar system, planets, and much more. An extensive resource for studying astronomy in upper-elementary and middle school classrooms.
Worksheet
2
2
T. Smith Publishing

Earth

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Young astronomers read an informational text passage and then answer questions based on what they read.
Activity
Illustrative Mathematics

Solar Eclipse

For Teachers 9th - 11th Standards
Learners take on the role of astronomers, calculating conditions necessary for a total solar eclipse. Concepts of similar triangles and properties of circles come together as pupils create ratios and use real measurements in determining...
Worksheet
1
1
TLS Books

Neptune

For Students 3rd - 5th Standards
Did you know that Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea? Young astronomers read about this and other facts about the eighth planet from the sun in a short informational text passage.
Activity
NOAA

Satellite Communications

For Students 3rd - 5th
How do satellites communicate? What types of satellites orbit Earth? Discover and mimic the way satellites communicate between two points in a hands-on activity that has pupils using mirrors, flashlights, and marbles.
Unit Plan
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1
Core Knowledge Foundation

A Time for All Seasons - Spring

For Teachers 1st - 3rd Standards
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this fun primary grade science unit. Engaging young scientists with a variety of hands-on activities and inquiry-based investigations, these lessons are a great way to teach children about...
PPT
Mr. E. Science

Atmosphere

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
Earth's atmosphere is full of different energies, from thermal to wind to electromagnetic radiation. Through the presentation, class members discover these energies and how they determine weather patterns.
Interactive
American Museum of Natural History

What Do You Know About the Universe?

For Students 6th - 12th
The universe is full of a mystic matter people cannot see. Pupils respond to 10 questions about the stuff in the universe. Most of the questions involve the big bang theory and dark matter. Learners find out how astronomers have found...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Far Away is SOHO?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars create a scale model of the Earth and the sun that demonstrates where the SOHO satellite is in relation to the Earth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Makes Day and Night? The Earth's Rotation

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students discover that the Earth rotates on its axis in a cyclical fashion. They examine how this rotation results in day and night.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heating the Earth

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore how the angle of sunlight affects the Earth's temperature and seasons and then apply this understanding to their local situation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Turns? Prove It!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars construct a pendulum using a washer and thin fishing line. In this earth science lesson, students simulate Earth's rotation using the pendulum bob and swivel chair. They explain how this activity proves that the Earth is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tides of Change

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use the Internet to gather information on tides and then use this information to determine the period of revolution of the moon around the earth (part 1) and the relative pull of the sun and the moon on the tides (part 2).
Worksheet
Curated OER

Phases of the Moon

For Students 4th - 7th
In this moon phases learning exercise, students learn about the different phases that the moon goes through. They then use the information the learned to answer the 9 questions in the packet. The answers are on the last page.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Break the Code: Astronomy

For Students 4th - 8th
Here is a quick puzzle-style instructional activity for your aspiring astronomers. A code is printed at the top of the page and learners use it to fill in the blanks describing different phenomena or objects in outer space. The material...
Worksheet
Yummy Math

Happy 14th B’ak’tun, the start of the next Great Mayan cycle

For Students 5th - 9th Standards
The ancient Mayans had a complex calendar and number system with a rich history. In fact, the date 12/21/2012 was the center of much controversy as to whether or not it was the end of time. It wasn't the end of time, but...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Planet Earth

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students explore the planet Earth, outer space, and Earth's axis. They demonstrate reading comprehension skills, including literal meaning, inference and critical analysis.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Doin' The Moonwalk

For Teachers K - 2nd
If you are looking for an outstanding lesson on the Moon for your budding astronomers, look no further! This outstanding plan is full of wonderful, meaningful activities for your charges to engage in. Pupils will discover why there are...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Unit VIII: Worksheet 3 - Central Force

For Students 9th - 12th
Beginning physicists imagine being aerospace engineers by solving seven centripetal force problems. They calculate the work, speed, time, and acceleration of objects in orbit: a satellite around Earth, and Earth around the sun. This is a...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Ellipse Lab

For Students 7th - 9th
Leading the learners to draw a representation of ellipses of planets, this handout will help understanding the planet movement around the sun.  There are ten questions about the analysis of those orbits and a conclusino specifically...
Activity
NASA

Packing for a L-o-o-o-ng Trip to Mars

For Students 9th - 12th
Pack just enough to fit. Crews determine what personal items to take with them on a trip to Mars. Each team must decide what to take with them on a two-and-a-half year trip to Mars and whether their items will fit within the allotted...