+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chandra X-Ray Observatory

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Young scholars tour Chandra's top galactic X-ray images. In this Chandra X-Ray Observatory lesson, students play games and complete puzzles based on the Chandra Mission and X-Ray Astronomy. Young scholars listen to pod casts, question an...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Life as a Star!

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students research the life cycle of a star and present their finding to the class.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reach for the Stars

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the significance of space exploration. For this space science lesson, students  visit selected websites to discover information about astronomy, lunar missions, and space travel. Students discuss the value of space...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sky Stories

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners are introduced to the branch of science known as astronomy. They discuss stars and constellations and then view the night sky using a portable digital planetarium projector. They identify a variety of constellations and...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Night Sky Observation

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore space science by completing an observational worksheet. In this astronomy lesson, students view several worksheets in which students identify minor changes between separate images in preparation for real star...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stellar Evolution and the Fate of Earth

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify the different stages in the life cycle of a star. In this astronomy instructional activity, 8th graders read H-R diagrams and analyze data. The describe how the Sun's evolution will affect Earth in the future.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Length of the Day

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate how the Earth's rotation affect the length of day. In this earth science lesson, students construct a sighting apparatus and record their observations over a few days. They analyze data collected and formulate a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Observing the Sky

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore astronomy. In this astronomy lesson plan, students discuss the history of the movement of celestial bodies and then communicate with other students regarding the movements that they observe in the sky nightly. Students...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Sun in Our Lives

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the different parts of the sun. In this astronomy lesson, 3rd graders examine how the sun's energy drive life processes on Earth. They construct a model of a solar system using large rolls of toilet paper.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sky Quest: Exploring the Constellations

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students examine constellations and planets through completing various activities. Students work individually and in groups to create drawings based on stars, compare and contrast the night sky with and without a telescope and learn...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stellar Discoveries That Are Out of This World

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students hear of the recent discovery of a group of planets orbiting the star Upsilon Andromedae. Each student create a page about an element of the universe,
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Habitable Zones

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students focus on stellar luminosities to estimate size of habitable zones, map out habitable zone around hot light bulbs that serve as models of stars, investigate how size of model "habitable zone" around light bulbs depends on...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Place in Space

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the different planets that make up the solar system. For this space science lesson, 3rd graders construct a scale model of the major planets. They explore their different unique features and dress up as planets.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

For Teachers 7th - 8th
In this astronomy worksheet, students use a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to examine the relationship between the average temperatures of stars and their absolute magnitude. After viewing the diagram, they complete 10 short answer questions.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Adopt a Constellation

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners adopt a constellation and find detailed information about their constellation. In this constellation lesson plan, students use the web to find information about a constellation of their choice. They identify the history of the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Measuring the Diameter of Our Star

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students conduct an experiment to measure the diameter of the sun. In this astronomy lesson,  students construct a simple equipment to collect scientific data. They calculate the sun's diameter using a given formula.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Palm use in Astronomy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers identify and recall common constellations by using a palm pilot with astronomy software. Students will use their Palm to assist them in correctly identifying constellations using a telescope.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lives of Stars

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students take notes on the lives of stars. For this lesson on stars, students take notes alongside a PowerPoint presentation about the lives of stars.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Astronomy: A Star Party

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the functions of a telescope. They name the parts of the telescope. After previously learning the planets and constellations, students identify and view them during a star party.
+
Lesson Plan
Space Awareness

Meet Our Neighbors: Sun

For Students 1st - 6th
The sun isn't just a ball of yellow! Young scientists learn about the features of the sun using a hands-on modeling activity. They build models of the sun using common household items to represent sunspots, solar prominence, and the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Summer Sky Tour

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore space science by participating in a constellation identification activity. In this astronomy lesson plan, students view star charts based on the different seasons and define a list of astronomy related terms. Students...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constellations

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create their own constellations using pin holes and black paper. In this space science lesson plan, 5th graders write a story about their constellation. They share their project with the class.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the Day and Night Sky

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students explore space science by participating in a sky observation activity. In this astronomy lesson, students define a list of astronomy vocabulary terms and examine star charts of the four seasons. Students gather with their...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Meteorites

For Teachers 1st - 11th
Young scholars model how meteors fall to the surface of planets. In this space science lesson, students identify different types of meteorites using an interactive online website. They investigate the relationship between a meteorite's...