Curated OER
Ten Fingers Ten Toes
First graders identify the number 10 by completing a page for a counting book. They add the page to the first nine pages.
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Phases of the Moon
Sixth graders observe the changes in the moon's appearance over a two week period of time from their homes. They record and illustrate their observations and also complete daytime moon viewings as a class.
Curated OER
Five Fingers for Eating Lunch
First graders listen to the book, The M&M's Brand Counting Book, discuss the one-to-one correspondence and count the candies in the story. They focus on the number five, and listen to the story Sun Up, Sun Down, discussing the...
Curated OER
Science - Lesson 42 - Astronomy
Third graders demonstrate the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun in a solar and lunar eclipse. They list uses for manmade satellites and write a description of how a satellite would be use.
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Moon Observations
Learners study the science of the moon. In this moon observations lesson, students study vocabulary associated with the moon, study a lunar calendar, and a phases of the moon's orbit around the Earth.
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Scavenger Hunt
Students study a research telescope to obtain quantitative information about these objects. They use the SkyServer Navigation Tool to identify objects and record celestial coordinates. In addition, they associate star brightness and...
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What Makes a Shadow?
Second graders respond to language, meanings and ideas in different explanatory texts relating them to personal experiences. They listen to and interact with others. Ask questions and talk about personal experiences in a group.
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Telling Time: Hours
Students participate in a discussion about the different types of timepieces and the energy sources necessary to run them. They observe the numbers on a clock and review the hands and what they mean and make individual clocks using a...
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Persistence Forecasting
Learners study weather forecasting. In this weather instructional activity, students explore forecasting weather methods and do a forecast. Learners study weather reports and discuss the elements of a forecast. Students study the method...
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Light
Here is a stellar slide show for illuminating middle schoolers' minds on the topic of light! An interactive slide allows viewers to sort light sources by whether or not they are man-made. More objects are displayed and learners discover...
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
The Planets and Scale
Scholars gain an insight into the relative size of planets and distance between inner and outer planets with the help of informational text, a data table, and a series of four questions.
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Weather Proverbs
Your class explores weather proverbs and superstitions from around the country and writes their own proverb about weather. They interview community elders to learn proverbs about Alaska and its weather. Then they discuss several example...
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Astronomy Merit Badge
Learners explore astronomy through the Starry Night Constellation Adventure software. They print star charts and identify constellations. They sketch the Big Dipper and describe the Milky Way. They list the five most visible planets and...
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Demonstrating the Distances of Stars
Students examine the distance from Earth to stars. They create a model to show the arrangement of constellations. They also identify the importance of the parallax effect.
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Learning Lesson: The Shadow Knows II
Students discover and practice how to calculate the circumference of the Earth. They measure the length of their shadows and use the distance they are away from the equator to complete the calculations. They discuss winter or summer...
Curated OER
What's Your Sign? The Science Behind The Zodiac
Students investigate the concepts dealing with the motions of celestial objects, the ancient origins of the Zodiac and the science behind the Zodiac.
Curated OER
The Celestial Sphere
Students are introduced to the celestial sphere, describing its apparent rotation and the special role of the pole star.
Curated OER
Measuring Elevation
Learners practice measuring elevation, one of the key coordinates used by astronomers. They describe how the elevation of an object is measured.
and combine compass directions and elevation to find celestial objects.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: How High Is Big? Using an Astrolabe
Students observe and measure the shadows of fixed objects throughout the school year to learn about how the seasonal change affects the sun's position in the sky.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Solar Speedway
Solar power is hot these days. Gleaming, black solar panels soak up rays on more and more rooftops of homes and businesses providing a clean, alternative source of heat and electricity. You might guess that different times of the day...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Sun's Surprising Movement Across the Sky
Suppose you placed a camera at a fixed position, took a picture of the sky at the same time every day for an entire year, and overlaid all of the photos on top of each other. What would the sun look like in that combined image? A...