Curated OER
Destination Mars!
Fifth graders view Mysteries of Earth & Mars Video on DVD and record thoughts in their online journal. They record data in a spreadsheet about each planet then form a theory of the best time to launch a space craft from Earth to land...
Curated OER
Time That Period!
Students analyze data received from high-energy satellites of various binary star systems' orbital periods or stellar rotation periods.
Curated OER
Solving Saturn's Mysteries
Middle schoolers study the Cassini spacecraft and its travel to Saturn. They discover the results of the space mission and examine images of Saturn that Cassini sent back.
Curated OER
Our Solar System to Scale
Students calculate the diameter of planets and their relative distances. In this space science instructional activity, students discover how small or big the planets are in comparison to each other. Students use cross multiplying...
Space Awareness
Seasons Around the World
Why does Earth experience summer, fall, winter, and spring? Using an informative demonstration, learners see how the angle of the sun on Earth and the rotation of Earth determine the seasons. Scholars work in pairs to learn that the...
Space Awareness
Climate Zones
The climate at the equator is hotter than the climate at the poles, but why? The lesson plan goes in depth, explaining how the angles of illumination relate to the heating rate at different latitudes and seasons. Scholars use a strong...
Curated OER
Tilted Earth
What causes Earth's seasons? Find out through a series of anticipatory questions, an easy yet powerful activity representing the sun-Earth system, a diagram to label, and follow-up questions. Dispel the misconceptions about Earth being...
Curated OER
Angular Size and Velocity
In this distance worksheet, students calculate the angular size or angular diameter of objects at a given distance. This worksheet has 6 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Rocket Transportation
Students use problem solving skills to lift a load using a balloon rocket. They construct a rocket out of a balloon and use it to carry a paper clip payload.
Curated OER
The Big Bang Theory
Learners will use scientific reasoning to formulate ideas about the formation of the universe using the Big Bang Theory. The use of critical thinking skills is part of the activity and the foundation of the scientific method will serve...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students explore the physical properties of water. In this water instructional activity, students observe, measure, and describe water as it changes state. There are 2 extensions for this instructional activity that one can access...
Curated OER
Gravity - The Glue of the Universe
Students explore physics by conducting a class experiment. In this gravitational force lesson plan, students define several scientific terms associated with force. Students utilize a styrofoam cup and marbles to simulate a satellite...
Curated OER
Balloon Staging
Students explore rocketry using balloon rockets. They demonstrate how rockets can achieve greater altitudes by using the technology of staging. By using two inflated balloons that slide along a fishing line, they simulate a multistage...
Curated OER
Studying Mars
Learners study Mars and Odyssey's mission to Mars. In groups, they plan a community that could live on Mars.
Curated OER
Make A Comet
Students make a comet out of corn syrup, ammonia, dirt, ice cream sticks, and more. In this comet lesson plan, students view how these ingredients turn from a solid to a gas.
Curated OER
Key Science Words
In this science instructional activity, students find the words that are related to the common science terms. The answers are found using the links at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
A Study of Astronaut Radiation Dosages
In this astronauts and radiation worksheet, students use a graph that shows the altitude of an astronaut versus the exposure to radiation to solve 5 problems. Students interpret the graph to express the amount of radiation at varying...
Curated OER
Some Famous Unit Conversion Errors!
In this unit conversion worksheet, students are given 3 stories about situations where errors in the conversion of units caused dramatic problems in science. For each situation, students practice converting units to solve the errors.
California Academy of Science
Kinesthetic Astronomy: Longer Days, Shorter Nights
A lamp, four globes, and some signs taped around the room are all you need to set up a solar system simulation for teaching how Earth's tilted axis creates the seasons. (Sticky dots are also needed, but not mentioned in the materials...
NASA
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
Science is magic that works. Magical color-changing beads and a coffee can that follows voice commands are just two examples of magic tricks that rely on science. After completing a hands-on activity and an experiment investigating the...
Curated OER
Aerospace Engineering
Twelfth graders examine the physics of rocket flight. They build and launch model rockets to measure their performances.
Curated OER
Doin' The Moonwalk
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...
University of Colorado
Phases of Charon
Pluto, although no longer considered a planet, has five moons. Pluto's moon, Charon, is the focus of a resource that describes how the moon is viewed from the surface of Pluto. Photos help individuals see how Charon would look at...
New Mexico State University
Lab 6: Kepler's Laws
A 15-page package thoroughly teaches your physics or astronomy learners about Kepler's three laws of planetary motion. Each one is stated and explained. Class members answer questions, solve problems, and participate in the classic...