Curated OER
Virial Theorem Lesson
Ninth graders describe how equilibrium can occur as the balance of two effects. They model the stability of elliptical galaxies based on how fast stars within the galaxy are moving.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Dark Matter: How Does It Explain a Star's Speed?
Video describes how stars move in a spiral galaxy and how their speeds can be explained by accounting for dark matter. [3:17] Includes a brief quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.
Other
University of Leicester: Spiral Galaxies
Provides a general overview of spiral galaxies, including descriptions of the different classes of spiral galaxy.
PBS
Pbs Nova Online: Spin a Spiral Galaxy
PBS site provides various views of spiral galaxies. (Quick Time required) With this technology, you can manipulate the image to spin it around and look at it from various angles.
Other
Astrophotography: Galaxies
Numerous high quality images of galaxies can be found in this site. Names, exposure times, and various magnifications are provided.
Other
Astrophotography: Galaxies
Numerous high quality images of galaxies can be found in this site. Names, exposure times, and various magnifications are provided.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Galaxy Hunter: A Cosmic Photo Safari
Travel the universe and learn about galaxies. Investigate Hubble Deep Field observations to learn more.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Galaxies
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Examines galaxies and how they are divided into three types according to shape.
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Galaxies
This resource has two levels: one for younger viewers and one for older viewers. It surveys the basic galaxy types and provides details.
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Galaxies (Level 1)
This site provides an introduction to galaxies for the younger student, that is divided into 2 levels of understanding. Find out what type of galaxy looks like a giant pinwheel. Audio content included. Good glossary, and a printable...
Other
University of Cambridge Cosmology: Galaxies
This site from the University of Cambridge allows you to view information on spiral, elliptical, and Milky Way galaxies, as well as galaxy clusters. Provides basic facts about each one.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News in Science: Galaxy Spinning the Wrong Way
From ABC News in Science, this February 2002 article revolves around findings posted by images from the Hubble Space Telescope which suggest a spiral galaxy spinning in an opposite direction than expected.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News in Science: Spiral Galaxy as Never Seen Before
From ABC News in Science, this article covers information related to a photo of the largest spiral galaxy ever captured in a picture. The photo is taken of the Pinwheel galaxy.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Spin a Spiral Galaxy
This interactive activity from NOVA Online lets you spin a spiral galaxy, including our own Milky Way. It demonstrates that what you can learn from visible light observations of a galaxy is largely determined by the angle from which you...
California Institute of Technology
Nasa: Splendid Splinter
The Splendid Splinter photo is a picture of a spiral galaxy and acts as part of a series of photographs taken from the Spitzer Space Telescope. The picture is accompanied by a textual overview of the Splinter Galaxy with specific...
Other
Sky Server: Galaxies
SkyServer explains and presents images of spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies, irregular galaxies, galaxy clusters, galaxy collisions and the like.
NASA
Nasa: Spiral Galaxy
This Spiral Galaxy image is part of a series of photographs taken from the Spitzer Space Telescope. The picture is accompanied by a textual overview of a spiral galaxy with specific attention given to the details of the picture.
NASA
Nasa: The Space Place
This site from NASA's Space Place is geared towards early elementary learners. It offers detailed instructions for crafts and activities related to space, games and a teacher resource area. Students can also ask an expert at this site.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: What Is a Galaxy?
Explains what galaxies are and their different shapes. Includes details on the Milky Way.