NASA
Explore Mars With Scratch
Learn what it takes to explore Mars in the comfort of a classroom. Individuals experiment with computer programming using a free online resource while learning about the factors affecting Mars Rover explorations. They create a...
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Blast Off with Model Rockets
Learners investigate science and math by building a rocket. In this geometry activity, students build a rocket using paper towel tubes while investigating questions about launching a rocket. They discuss balance and unique structure as...
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Trends of Snow Cover and Temperature in Alaska
Students compare NASA satellite data observations with student surface measurements of snow cover and temperature. They practice data collection, data correlations, and making scientific predictions.
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Get the Picture!
Astronomers practice downloading data from a high-energy satellite and translate the data into colored or shaded pixels. As a hands-on activity, they use pennies to simulate high-energy satellite data and they convert their penny...
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Cross Section and Slope
Students draw cross sections of given contour maps. In this math instructional activity, students interpret the different symbols used in the map. They determine slope and steepness through direct measurement.
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Geometry of Exploration: Eyes Over Mars
Students research how engineers and scientists generate linear and angular measurements with geometry to survey the Earth and Mars. They assess how geometric shapes affect navigation. A surveyor comes to the classroom and explains how he...
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Teaching Radicals in Less Than Five Minutes
Students simplify complex radicals following a specific technique. In this math lesson, students simulate the process using several decks of cards. They explore real life applications of radicals.
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Keep Your Eye on the Sky
Young scholars examine the different types of satellites, cloud formations and weather patterns. In this weather lesson plan students use the Internet to research weather satellites, then write an article and create graphs.
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NIGHT AND DAY: DAILY CYCLES IN SOLAR RADIATION
Students examine how Earth's rotation causes daily cycles in solar energy using a microset of satellite data to investigate the Earth's daily radiation budget and locating map locations using latitude and longitude coordinates.
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Corrupted Politicians
High schoolers solve problems using statistics and probability. In this math lesson plan, students analyze how many corrupted members there are in a fictional town council. They give real life examples where statistics and probability...
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Volcanoes and Urban Planning
Students analyze satellite image data of Volcan Villarica. In this earth science lesson, students identify dangerous areas surrounding the volcano. They propose a new safe location for the town.
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The Voyage Scale
Students identify how models are powerful tools of exploration and that the sizes of the planets and distances between the planets in the Solar System span a large range. They make a sign for each planet they have created in the lesson...
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Understanding Pi.
Students study the relationship between circumference and diameter to come up with Pi. "In this pi lesson, students measure, record and find the ratio "circumference/diameter" and their average which is an approximation of pi.
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What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?
Introduce starting space scientists to the electromagnetic spectrum, expecially the portion of visible light. Teach them about wavelength and frequesncy. Then give them a roll of adding machine tape and a manila folder to make a...
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Time That Period
Physical science starters play with a pendulum in order to experience periodicity. Detailed procedures and a worksheet are included for day one. For day two, learners will use a graphing calculator to help them plot orbit data from a...
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Seasons and Cloud Cover, Are They Related?
Students use NASA satellite data to see cloud cover over Africa. In this seasons lesson students access data and import it into Excel.
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A Comparison of Land and Water Temperature
Young scholars examine NASA satellite observations of surface temperature and investigate the seasonal changes of land and water temperature.
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The Aspect Ratio of Wings
Junior engineers examine aspect ration in airplane wings. Using the length and width of two differetn wings, they calculate the aspect ratios and compare drag rankings. An engineering or space science class would benefit from this...
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Space Travel
Learners study the International Space Station and space exploration. In this space travel lesson students describe the different types of engineers that contribute to space travel.
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Asteroids
Students study asteroids and how their size relates to a possible danger of one colliding with Earth. In this asteroids lesson plan students see how big an asteroid has to be to cause destruction to Earth.
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Blazing Gas
Fourth graders read and discuss the sun and the energy we use on Earth from the sun. In this sun lesson plan, 4th graders discuss the solar system, planets, and answer short answer questions.
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Aerospace Engineering
Twelfth graders examine the physics of rocket flight. They build and launch model rockets to measure their performances.
Teach Engineering
Aerogels in Action
Model an oil spill cleanup. An engaging engineering lesson has groups using aerogels to simulate an oil spill cleanup (vegetable oil in water). Along the way, they learn about nanotechnology and hydrophilia/hydrophobia.
Teach Engineering
Egg Drop
Don't drop the ball on the resource ... drop an egg instead! A teacher-led demonstration has the class consider how to drop eggs into glasses when a tray is in the way. Hint: If you've ever seen a magician pull a tablecloth off a table,...