Curated OER
What Orbital Dynamic Variables are Responsible for Earth's Weather?
Students explore the changing of the seasons. In this astronomy and seasons lesson, students construct a model of the revolution of the sun and the moon. Students compare the recorded solstice/equinox orbital positions and explain the...
NASA
Rendezvous For Two
Imagine the challenge of getting the space shuttle to rendezvous with the International Space Station. Groups must determine the elliptical transfer orbit needed to get the space shuttle from its orbit to the orbit of the International...
Curated OER
The Proof
Students will construct simple curves on graph paper by connecting a series of points between the vertical and horizontal axes. They share their designs and explain the patterns.
Curated OER
Conic Sections and Locii
Students differentiate between ellipse and hyperbola. In this algebra instructional activity, students graph and solve elliptical equations. They use the cabri program to create the different conics and move them around.
Curated OER
Make a Comet
Students construct their own model of a comet using a variety of art supplies by reviewing pictures and diagrams of comets. They examine the structure of comets and the interactions between comets and our Sun.
Curated OER
Earth and Sun's Distance
Students consider the shape of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. They view the first segment of Science Court video and use Timeliner software to construct a scale of the distance between the Earth and the Sun.
Curated OER
Comets and Meteors
Students construct a model of a comet nucleus using dry ice. They add other materials and describe the features. They complete related exercises on an Internet Web site.
Curated OER
Measuring the Diameter of the Sun
Students calculate and measure the diameter of the sun. They construct a meter stick instrument, calculate the diameter using a formula, and compare the measurement with the accepted scientific measurement.
Curated OER
Forces And Energy
Middle schoolers investigate the atom and how it is formed. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then construct a model of the atom. Then students have class discussion. The lesson includes background information for...
Physics Classroom
Kelper's Three Laws
A flipped classroom lesson introduces astrophysics fanatics to Kepler's three laws of planetary motion. After reading about the laws of ellipses, equal areas, and harmonies, and also learning how Newton's gravitation concepts come into...
Virginia Department of Education
Solar System Model
How many planets can you name? Did you get all 13 in our solar system, including the dwarf planets, or were you surprised when you read there are 13 planets? The lesson helps scholars understand the scale of the universe including the...
Curated OER
The Focus of an Ellipse
In this algebra worksheet, students solve for the center of an ellipse by finding the focus. They use the focus formula when solve for conics. There are 13 problems with an answer key.
Curated OER
Planet Paths: Studying Planetary Orbital Paths
Students define and identify planetary orbit, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, and simulate Kepler's Second Law. They explore interactive websites demonstrating orbital motion and complete modeling activities.
Curated OER
Galaxies
Tenth graders explore the structure and content of galaxies. Through discussion, lab, and hands-on activities, they discover the general structure of the three types of galaxies as well as the effect they have on the structure and...
Curated OER
Mystery : Structure of the Atom-A Case for Indirect Evidence
Learners investigate the structure of the atom through hands on activities. In this atomic structure instructional activity, students perform 4 activities showing indirect evidence of the structure of the atom and the parts of the atom....
Curated OER
Introduction To Orbital Mechanics
Students use NASA drawings to build a model satellite for a specific mission. They design a set of drawings for their satellite showing its subsystems as well.
Curated OER
Measuring the Diameter of the Sun
Ninth graders study the sun and its distance from Earth. For this Sun's diameter lesson students examine how measurement data permits accurate measurement of the sun's diameter.
Curated OER
Does the Distance Between the Earth and Sun Cause the seasons?
Students reflect upon the concepts of seasons. The concepts are taught using a variety of different teaching approaches. A activities lead to a reflection that will help students to make a cognitive transfer of information form...