Curated OER
Mass
High schoolers participate in a qualitative discussion of the distinction between weight and mass, followed by a description of astronaut mass measurements in a zero-g environment.
Curated OER
Weight No More
Students relate the concept of gravity to math. In this algebra instructional activity, students define scientific terminology relative to gravity, weight and centripetal force. They measure the different dimensions of a cylinder as...
Curated OER
Weightlessness
Students use a coffee cup to demonstrate weightlessness. After a lecture/demo, students read an article on free-fall. They perform a simple experiment which helps them explain the concept of weightlessness.
Curated OER
Life in Space: International Space Station
Students explore the potential challenges of living in space. In this investigative instructional activity students search the Internet to locate 16 nations that are working together to build the Independent Space Station, then...
Curated OER
Solar System: The Four Inner Planets and Earth's Moon and Astronauts
Second graders read THe Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. In this language arts and science instructional activity, 2nd graders explore the four inner planets. Students view the inner planets using Google Earth.
Curated OER
How Much Would You Weigh On Distant Planets?
Students study the effects of gravity on the planets of the Solar System. They view movies from the lunar Apollo missions, calculate their own weight on other planets, and propose what they might weigh on newly discovered planets around...
Curated OER
MASS
Students distinguish between weight and mass. They examine how in oscillations of a mass against an elastic spring--in the absence of gravity, or in horizontal motion--the length of the oscillation period is proportional to the square...
Curated OER
Far Out!
Students research and compare/contrast how routine tasks on Earth would be without gravity. They read and discuss the article "The Life Galactic: A Lot of Work, a Little Play, Plenty of E-Mail." In groups they write a pitch for a TV...
Curated OER
Spaced Out
Students are introduced to the space environment. This instructional activity covers the major differences between the environment on Earth and that of outer space and the engineering challenges that arise because of these discrepancies....
Curated OER
A Taste of Space Nutrition Unit
Second graders make a power point presentation about space nutrition and health.
Curated OER
Outerspace: Frontier for Personal Health and Hygiene
Students view photos of astronauts sleeping, eating, bathing, and using the toilet, and discuss hygiene problems in a zero-gravity environment. They contrast hygiene habits in space to those on Earth, and create storybooks illustrating...
Curated OER
LIFE IN SPACE Human Body: An Un-Earthly Home
Students examine an effect of zero gravity on the human body using a baby food jar, balloons and a jar with a large mouth.
Curated OER
Apollo Moon Landing
Students explore paper rockets, learn about the Apollo Program and Apollo spin-offs, and use simple office supplies to design and create a new useful product. This amazing plan is incredibly well written and leads students through a...
Curated OER
Bones
Fifth graders observe real bones and models to learn about the structure and function of the skeletal system. In this skeletal system instructional activity, 5th graders manipulate objects and models of bones. They handle real bones and...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Learners investigate how water goes from a solid to a liquid then back again. In this experimental lesson plan students conduct their own experiment and see how water changes form.
Curated OER
Lesson 4 Activity 1: Mapping the Third Dimension
Students work in pairs to construct a simple stereoscope.
Curated OER
Exploring the Night Sky: Summer
Students explain how moon phases occur. They describe and explain at least two common misconceptions that people have about the moon. Students explain what a star is. They explain 3 ways that the night sky has been used throughout history.
Curated OER
Design a Space Station
Sixth graders investigate living in space. In this science lesson, 6th graders discuss what it is like to live in space and create their own space station or space city of the future.
Curated OER
Exploring the Night Sky: Fall/Winter
Students explain how moon phases occur. They explain three ways that the night sky has been used through history. Students locate some of the constellations in the night sky. They discuss stories and myths surrounding stars.
Curated OER
What is ergonomics and why is it important?
Students come up with ideas to help friendly, superintelligent space aliens adapt to this environment.
Curated OER
Mass
Students determine how mass is a property of an object that can be measured, and examine how size affects mass. They work with balances and determine what units of measurement are associated with mass. Finally, they determine the...
Curated OER
A Day on the Space Station
Fifth graders discover what it would be like to live in space. In this technological advancements instructional activity, 5th graders discuss how space life would be different from Earth life. Students also identify how technology has...
Curated OER
Exploring Pendulums
Learners observe the movement of pendulums, they begin to understand the relationship between gravitational forces and the mass of objects, the changes in speed and direction of objects, and the distance between objects. They understand...
Curated OER
#24 Rotating Frames of Reference in Space and on Earth
High schoolers explore rotating frames of reference, focusing on the weightless environment in space and the Coriolis force.