Following the Stars - Polynesian Navigation

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...

In this lesson, 7th graders are shown how Great Navigators of the past stayed on course with the historical methods of navigation. The concepts of dead reckoning and celestial navigation are discussed. Using Vector Voyage students will...

For this space science worksheet, students discover and write the name of their favorite constellation. Then they describe the history of it and draw a diagram, labeling the major stars and providing lines to show its shape.

Digital compass alignment enables navigation of the skies with true orientation at any time. Just point to the sky or "aim for the stars!" This application acts as a virtual telescope, allowing you to zoom in on any object that is...

Imagine sailing around the world, or even around the Pacific Ocean, in an outrigger canoe without the the aid of a GPS? Or a compass? Or even a sextant? The Polynesians did. Find out how with an engaging video that details how they used...

Fifteen detailed pictures and informative captions delve deep into the exploration of stars—their life cycle and importance in the universe. 

Space explorers take a virtual trip around the sun right within your classroom! They stand in a circle facing away from the "sun" (a lamp) in the center of the room. As they move according to your instructions, they view different...

Students explore constellations, as well as facts and myths about them. They read three myths about three particular constellations. In groups, students perform activities and discuss how to connect the stars in a constellation. They...

Go study the universe. Pupils learn seven aspects about astronomy and astronomers. They begin to learn about constellations; distance and motion between objects; gravity; the electromagnetic spectrum; dark matter and energy; and teams of...

A website all about planetary mysteries—it's a one-stop-shop for all things, stars, planets, and space travel. Scholars read an astronomy overview to discover the page's big ideas, then choose from the plethora of resources, including...