Space Awareness
Navigating with the Kamal
Historians have proven that as early as 1497 skilled navigators were using a kamal to sail across oceans. Scholars learn about navigation tools and astronomy before building their own kamals. They then learn how to use it to determine...
Space Awareness
Navigation in the Ancient Mediterranean and Beyond
Ancient texts, like Homer's Odyssey, mentions navigating ships by observing constellations. Pupils learn about the link between history and astronomy as they relate to navigation in the Bronze Age. Scholars complete two hands-on...
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
Mask of the Black God
Finally, an astronomy lesson for the high schooler! Explorers are able to read star maps for finding objects in the night sky by determining celestial coordinates. In particular, they locate the Pleiades and read about a Navajo legend...
Curated OER
Star Quest
Students review the concepts of 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 using a...
Curated OER
Reach for the Stars
Students consider the significance of space exploration. In this space science lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about astronomy, lunar missions, and space travel. Students discuss...
Curated OER
Observing the Sky
Students explore astronomy. For this astronomy lesson, 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...
Curated OER
Stellar Navigation
Middle schoolers are introduced to the concept of stellar navigation. Inside a portable digital planetarium they identify various stars that were used as a navigational tool. They go through several activities in which they attempt to...
Curated OER
Starquest
Students study the history and cultural interpretation of a celestial body or constellation. They create technology based presentations of the information.
Curated OER
Reach for the Stars
Fifth graders select Greek Mythological characters to research. They gather research and keep notes on Inspiration. Students are to answer the question, "Which mythological character do you feel is the most worthy of being a...
Curated OER
A Different Kind of Rock Star: Part 2
Students examine our society's fascination with Mars. In this journalism lesson plan students read an article that outlines the various ways Mars has captured our imagination and are given topics for discussion and a...
Curated OER
Working on the Moon
Students take a mission to the moon. In this space science instructional activity, students visit selected websites to discover information about Earth's moon and the solar system. Students may take virtual missions to the moon...
Curated OER
Comparing the Satellite and Broadcast Radio Landscapes
Students research the development of satellite technology over the last 50 years students explain how the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 changed the rules for corporate ownership of multiple media outlets.
Curated OER
The Vocabulary of Space
Students build their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary related to space. In this space lesson, students discuss four categories of words and phrases related to space.
Curated OER
Probes to Other Planets
Sixth graders use a list of robot components and common household items to design and construct a robot spacecraft model suitable for exploring the Saturn System. They present the robots to the class.
Curated OER
News to the Core Reported by Very Special Students
Students create news articles that help them build their knowledge, skills, and academic confidence. In this special education lesson, students use previous knowledge to write a newsletter and demonstrate their understanding of various...
Library of Congress
World Digital Library: Astronomy: Reaching for the Stars
In this article the contributions of the Islamic world to our knowledge of astronomy is discussed.
British Library
British Library: International Dunhuang Project: Chinese Astronomy Resource
Using the early Dunhuang Star Atlas, an important historical and scientific document of the sky seen from China dating from before AD 700, learn about astronomical history from the perspective of China. Find resources and analysis that...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: How the Greeks Used Geometry to Understand the Stars
An article explaining how the Greeks were able to use their science and mathematics to predict where astronomical objects such as the Planets could be found in the nighttime sky even though their underlying premise was that the earth did...
Institute and Museum of the History of Science
Museo Galileo: Multimedia: Video: Astronomical Use of the Plane Astrolabe
Invented in ancient Egypt, the plane astrolabe is a tool used by astronomers and navigators to determine time and identifying positions of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. Read text or view the video to understand the details of its...