Students use the Drake Equation to calculate the probability of sustaining life on various planets. Through the use of the equation, they determine whether intelligent and advanced civilizations can be developed on planets other than...

Students are introduced to the causes of plate movements and the hazards they present. They plot the location of 50 earthquakes and 50 volcanic eruptions on a map and explore the relationships between plate tectonics, earthquakes, and...

Students examine the relationship between water retention and plant growth by conducting two experiments. They first compare the water retention qualities of clay, sand and loam soil types. Then they use the data from the first...

Students investigate oxidation-reduction reactions involving iron by conducting an experiment in which they expose iron filings to different atmospheric and ocean conditions. They relate the results to the oxidation banding patterns seen...

Students study water resources that are important to the people of North American and Africa. They use satellite images and data to explore how human actions can degrade, improve, or maintain water resources. They analyze and interpret...

Fifth graders create a flying wing from a pastry tray. In this flying wing lesson, 5th graders understand how the shape of the wind affects flight. Students compare the flying wing to the zanonia seed in nature. Students make changes in...

Students observe leaves for patterns and similarities. In this science lesson, students sort through a pile of leaves to find patterns and take measurements. Students make leaf rubbings to view the details of the leaves.

Learners access prior knowledge of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic waves. In this electromagnetic waves instructional activity, students hold a mock trial electromagnetic spectrum. Learners present...

Students examine the use of a sundial to tell apparent time. In this sundial lesson plan, students watch a teacher demonstration using a flashlight to create shadows. They discuss what happens to shadows of different objects as the...

Students study the seasons of the Earth. In this seasons instructional activity, students study the science of the seasons on Earth by studying the tilt and axis of the Earth's orbit. Students read background information and four...

Students write about strange places that they have slept. In this sleep science lesson students read about astronauts sleeping experience in space. They reflect on unusual places that they have slept and write about it.

Students define and read an article on polar energy.  In this polar energy lesson, students answer questions about the article.  Students participate in activities related to isotopes, half-life and radiocarbon.  Students...

Students analyze monthly sea surface temperature data from the Pacific Ocean to determine if the period is an El Nino or a normal year. They recognize signs to see if there are any patterns that signal either occurrence. Satellite images...

Students read Challenger: America's Space Tragedy by MichaelD. Cole. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the study of the Challenger space shuttle tragedy. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing,...

Students investigate current models for Lunar and Martian settlements and study the mathematics behind these designs. They design their own Lunar or Martian settlement with an explanation of why their model would work best.

Students view photos of the Namib Desert from space as they appear on the World Wide Web. They study the photos and identify landmarks from space as they examine how to collect information from the Internet for a class presentation.

Students utilize higher thinking skills to expand their self concept to include physical, cognitive, and affective frontiers. The teacher create activities which allow students to use raw data and primary sources, as well as...

Students construct boomerangs. In this aeronautics lesson, students use a file card, scissors, and pencil to develop their own boomerang.

Learners view "Men in Space: From Goddard to Armstrong," taking a examine the the extraordinary lives of the men who conquered space.

Students explain why exploring the universe for life on other planets is an important field of study. They use mathematical formulas to calculate the temperatures of planets as it relates to their distance from the sun. Students use...

Students launch flying tubes. In this aeronautics lesson, students gather the materials and follow the procedures to create a paper tube that generates lift as it travels.

Students take a mission to the moon. In this space science lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about Earth's moon and the solar system. Students may take virtual missions to the moon and share...

Students explore the layers of the Earth and the dynamic changes that they cause on Earth's surface. Volcanoes and earthquakes become the focus of the lesson as the Oregon State quarter and its Crater Lake images are linked to the topic.