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Sand or Rock? Finding Out From 1,000 km
Students observe how measurements are made with different instruments. In this remote sensing lesson students investigate the physical state of surfaces including the surfaces of the solar system.
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The Moon Orbits the Sun?!?!
Young scholars calculate the strength of gravitational force exerted on the moon by the sun and earth. In this orbital activity students view a demonstration to see the gravitational forces between bodies.
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Why is Summer Hot?
Learners examine how variations in temperature are due to the Sun and length of day. In this solar lesson students complete a lab activity using thermometers and artificial sunlight to see how the earth is heated.
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When a Ruler is Too Short
Students measure distances using parallax. In this math lesson, students explain how this method helped astronomers with their studies of the solar system. They determine the length of their arm using parallax and compare it with other...
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The Mathematics of Ion Rocket Engines
In this ion rocket engines instructional activity, students read about how heavy atoms are used to create the thrust in rocket engines. They solve 5 problems including determining the speed of atoms in a satellite, finding the average...
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Is There Ice on Mercury?
For this ice on Mercury worksheet, students read about the data collected from the NASA Messenger and the Arecibo Radio Telescope indicating the possibility of ice on Mercury. Students solve 6 problems including finding the scale of the...
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Strange New Planet
Students simulate different spacecraft missions using materials provided. In this space science lesson, students observe and record a planetary model's features from a distance. They relate this activity to scientists' space exploration...
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Length of the Day
Students investigate how the Earth's rotation affect the length of day. In this earth science activity, students construct a sighting apparatus and record their observations over a few days. They analyze data collected and formulate a...
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Making Moths
Students study the Gregorian Calendar and its historical significance.In this calendar instructional activity students create a calendar design for an imaginary planet.
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Geometry: Practical Applications of the Distance Formula
Students, working independently and in groups, apply the distance formula to practical situations. After solving various problems, students in pairs design coordinate planes from the school blue print to measure the distance from the...
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Earth Turns? Prove It!
Students construct a pendulum using a washer and thin fishing line. In this earth science instructional activity, students simulate Earth's rotation using the pendulum bob and swivel chair. They explain how this activity proves that the...
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Seeing Interference Fringes with a Telescope
Students construct an interferometer using a simple telescope. In this physics lesson, students explain how light waves create the fringe patterns. They observe patterns made by different objects in the sky and compare them.
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Why is There a Tidal Bulge Opposite the Moon?
Students simulate how the Moon causes ocean tides. In this earth science lesson, students calculate gravitational acceleration using a mathematical formula. They compare the force of attraction between the Earth, Moon and Sun system.
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Adaptations
Students identify what adaptation is and to research a specific mollusk. They also identify and interpret how animals get their common and scientific name and why it is Latin. Finally, students draw their shell (mollusk) and name their...
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Mollusks Orders
In this mollusks orders worksheet, students use what they know about the three major classes of mollusks to complete a chart by checking the correct column or columns for each of the 15 characteristics.
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How Many Days Are in a Year?
High schoolers create a calendar for an imaginary planet. In this earth science lesson, students analyze the errors on the different calendars used on Earth. They present their work in class.
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Magnetic Levitation
Students conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics lesson, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
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Maglev Trains
Students explore how Maglev trains work. In this technology lesson plan, students discuss the pros and cons of Maglev compared to conventional trains. They build a simple Maglev train model.
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Pathway to Mars
Sixth graders research the planet Mars using online and offline resources. They compile their information and write a short essay/story/report and post it online.
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After 7 years, capsule of comet dust heads to Earth
Students examine an article on a space capsule and explore NASA. In this space exploration lesson students brainstorm the pros and cons of space exploration, then rehearse a sketch and present it to the class.
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Unveiling the Secrets of Saturn
Students read and study an article then answer questions on Saturn. In this investigative lesson students identify ways space exploration has helped humanity and then they search the Internet for space pictures and sketch a drawing of...
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Cassini gets Ready to run Rings Around Saturn
Fourth graders study an article about Saturn. In this investigative lesson students discuss the article and complete an activity that asks them what question they would pose about Saturn.
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Rover Races
Students simulate driving a rover on the surface of Mars. In this space science lesson, students identify the challenges experienced by astronauts in operating a vehicle. They recommend some changes to make their 'rover' better.