Curated OER
Stars
In this space science instructional activity, students use the clues to assist them in solving the crossword puzzle on the stars. They identify various constellations and how each rotates.
Curated OER
Sky Observation Project
In this sky observation activity, students make observations of the night sky and use their planisphere and star charts to help identify what they observe. They make observations and record what they see for 10-15 minutes. They draw a...
Curated OER
Beyond the Blue Horizon...Advanced
In this calculating the horizon worksheet, students solve 6 problems using algebra, derivatives and calculus to find the formula for the line-of-sight horizon, the distance along a planet, the horizon distance and the rates of change for...
Curated OER
Using a Starfinder
In this starfinder worksheet, 5th graders construct a starfinder in order to determine which stars are in the night sky on a given date and time. Students use their starfinder to answer 9 questions about the stars and constellations,...
Curated OER
Auroras
In this aurora worksheet, students read a description of an aurora observed by Captain Standard in 1859. Students interpret the description with a drawing giving as much detail as possible using colored media to capture what they read.
Curated OER
Introduction to the Planisphere
In this planisphere learning exercise, middle schoolers use a planisphere to locate stars and constellations for particular times and dates. Students use the planisphere to answer specific questions about stars and constellations that...
Curated OER
Astronomy With a Stick
Students find the altitude of the Sun at 10 A.M., at solar noon, and at 2 P.M. by measuring the height of the gnomon and the length of the shadow at each time. They record the measurements in their notebooks for later conversion.
Curated OER
The Angle of the Sun's Rays
Students study elevation of the Sun above the horizon and the angle of the rays and their heating power.
NASA
Nasa: From Stargazers to Starships: The Round Earth and Christopher Columbus
Despite popular myth, people of the 15th century actually realized that the earth was round. Some scientists had even estimated the size of the Earth. Here's an interesting explanation from a section of an online textbook on the...
ArtLex
Art Lex: Horizon Line
Scroll down to find a definition of horizontal with hyperlinks to other definitions on the site.