Observing Mars in the Night Sky

One of the learners in your class might be the first human to step onto the surface of Mars, or the first to design a spacecraft that collects data from the red planet. Prepare them for the adventure with a set of 24 lessons, complete...

Observation is the key to understanding the history of our planet and those around us. What can be learned about Mars' history by looking at a few pictures, and how could that help us better understand Earth? Learners examine photos of...

It's time to go to Mars. Using the provided cards and mat, groups design a mission to Mars. The cards contain information about the different components of the launch and warn about a few mishaps that might occur along the way.

Did you know light can decrease visibility? Light pollution absolutely makes it more difficult to see stars. Scholars build a simple magnitude reader to determine the magnitude of stars. They use these data to estimate the impact of...

What happens to stars as they get older? A simulation takes pupils through the life cycle of stars based on their masses. The resource introduces the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and the common relationships and life cycle patterns observed.

Support science instruction with a combination of engaging activities and skills-based worksheets that focus on clouds. Learners take part in grand discussions, write an acrostic poem, complete graphic organizers, solve word puzzles, and...

Three astronomy activities in one resource! Here you will find one hands-on activity, one demonstration, both with discussion questions, and one activity worksheet. During these lessons young scientists discuss how stars are different,...

What conditions are necessary for life? Is it the same for all lifeforms? What biotic and abiotic factors would need to be changed to make it possible for human life on Mars? Answer these questions and more in a fun lesson designed to...

Design and build a rover ... then eat it? This activity has groups of two design and build Mars rovers. The teams determine what instruments they want to include with their rover and plan a budget. They calculate the cost of the body of...

Using NASA's planet fact sheets, collaborative groups discuss what the basic needs are for a human to survive, and how likely he would be to survive on another planet. Assign each group a different planet and have them compare its...