Curated OER
NASA Plans Moon Base
Students react to statements about the moon, then read a news article about NASA's plans to build a permanent base on the moon. In this space science and current events instructional activity, the teacher introduces the article with a...
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Altitude Tracking
Students construct simple altitude tracking devices for determining the altitude a rocket reaches in its flight. They estimate the altitude a rocket achieves during flight.
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Strawkets and Weight
Students investigate the effect that weight has on rocket flight. They construct a variety of straw-launched rockets that have different weights, observe what happens when the weight of a rocket is altered by reducing its physical size...
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Alka-Seltzer Rockets: How to Build Your Own Rocket
Students create a rocket using Alka-seltzer of baking soda and vinegar. In this physics instructional activity, students identify the factors affecting the length of time the rocket is propelled. They relate this activity to actual...
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Rocket Rhymes and Songs
Students use rhymes, chants, songs, and creative movement about rockets to demonstrate words that rhyme. They place sentence strips in order, and identify words that rhyme.
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Blast Off!
Fourth graders investigate the third law of motion. In this third law of motion lesson, 4th graders explore the forces necessary for a rocket to launch. Students compare and contrast propellant and fuel. Numerous resources are provided.
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Destination: Station
Students examine the significance of the International Space Station. They view and discuss photos of rockets, space shuttles, and the International Space Station, develop a graph of objects in the sky, and create drawings.
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Rocket Science
Learners conduct an experiment. In this physical science lesson, students learn about Isaac Newton's theory that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. Learners show this theory by looking at how a rocket is propelled...
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Getting in Shape Again
Students create rocket shapes out of pattern blocks. They draw a picture of a rocket, build a pattern block rocket following simple directions, and complete a graph of the shapes used.
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Up, Up and Away
Fourth graders design and launch rockets. In this rocket lesson, 4th graders observe the changes in outcome caused by size and fuel variables. Students navigate the NASA website to learn the parts of a rocket. Students load the canister...
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Dream Big
Students discuss the success of privately built and flown space crafts by reading and discussing a news article. They develop adventure trip proposals to present to Sir Richard Branson. Students write essays reflecting on the importance...
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The Earth, Sun, Moon, And Stars
Fifth graders explore the solar system. In this solar system unit, 5th graders investigate numerous projects while rotating through learning centers. Students write about space and construct a space shuttle model. Students practice map...
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How Do Probes Get To Space
Learners investigate how force works to propel rockets into outer space. In this physics lesson, students use a drinking straw, fishing line, a balloon, and tape to explore how force works in outer space. Learners repeat the experiment...
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Richie's Rocket
Fourth graders, while working in centers read Richie's Rocket by Joan Anderson, and then create a puzzle using ideas, emotions, and experiences from the story. In addition, they write specific definitions for certain words, use those...
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Aircraft vs. Spacecraft
High schoolers investigate differences between aircraft and spacecraft, and the differences in propulsion systems. They build pinwheel airplanes and balloon rockets. An interactive activity quizzes students on thrust.
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Richie's Rocket
Fourth graders, after reading with intonation and expression the book, "Richie's Rocket," by Joan Anderson, circulate in centers to create a puzzle with emotions and experiences from the ideas in the story, write the definition of words...
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Rocket Construction
Learners create rockets out of wood. They practice using comparison words to describe the differences in height. They also color pictures of rockets from different countries.
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Bottle Rocket Lesson
Students design a rocket that stays on air for the longest period of time. In this physics lesson plan, students research the function of different rocket components. They test their design and make necessary modifications.
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Rocket Problems
Students solve problems related to rockets. They build a space station out of wood and are given an imaginary problem related to construction. They discover how NASA uses problem solving skills to solve issues related to the...
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Newton Rocket Car
Young scholars observe a demonstration of Newton's third law of motion using a small wooden car. They discuss Newton's third law of motion and what happens to motion if the mass or acceleration is increased, construct their car, and...
Teach Engineering
The Amazing Red Planet
Introduce your class to Mars with a resource that provides information about its size, location, length of day, length of year, number of moons, and average temperature. Also includes is information about the lans for past and future...
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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...
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Designing a Crew Exploration Vehicle
Take your class on an out-of-this-world adventure with this fun engineering design activity. Working in small groups, young scientists design, build, and test crew exploration vehicles using some creativity, teamwork, and an assortment...
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Canada's Role in Astronomy and Space Science
Ninth graders, in groups, research a Canadian astronaut, developing a profile of their astronaut for presentation in a learning center. They visit the other groups' centers to explore more astronauts.