Curated OER
Eratosthenes
Students examine what Eratosthenes is and the history behind him. In this earth lesson students complete a hands on activity to repeat Eratosthenes' experiment.
Curated OER
The Farther Away You Are, The Faster Away You Move
Students explore linear relationships. The lesson uses science to develop an understanding of the expanding Universe. There are 3 Labs, only 2 of which are required. Lab C is an enrichment for higher level classes.
Curated OER
The Night Sky
Third graders develop questions they have about the solar system. After being read a book, they view and discuss different constellations in the sky. In groups, they are given a piece of butcher paper and glow in the dark crayons in...
Curated OER
Photometry
Students examine blackbody radiation and light wavelengths. Students research the various types of electromagnetic spectrum. Students examine any misconceptions they may have in light.
Curated OER
A DISAPPEARING ACT Astronomy: Do Stars Always Shine?
Students observe why stars are not visible during the day with a classroom demonstration using an index card punched with holes.
Curated OER
Star Magnitudes
In this stars worksheet, students use a chart comparing the absolute and apparent magnitudes for different stars to complete 4 fill in the blank and 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Scientific Theories
Ninth graders compare and contrast how different models can be used to represent scientific understandings. They evaluate the use of data when considering scientific claims. Students debate a variety of socio-scientific issues and the...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Angular Measure 2
Looking for an easier way to do angular measurements? This page introduces you to a trick by using skinny triangles with small angles. The skinny triangles lets the astronomer assume right triangles and then they can use trigonometry to...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Cosmic Measurements
For this lesson, students will use hands on inquiry in cooperative learning groups to understand, develop and analyze common measurements used by astronomers. Students will use common objects such as straws, twizzlers, or toothpicks to...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: A Puzzling Parallax
Did you know that ancient astronomers could measure the distance to other stars? They could also distinguish between stars and planets. How could they do that without modern technology of telescopes? See if you can discover the link...
NASA
Nasa Star Child: What Is a Light Year and How Is It Used?
This is a definition and example of how distance is measured in astronomy, such as the distance between our earth and the stars.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Birth of a Supernova, Type Ia
In this interactive activity from NOVA Online, learn about a type of exploding star - a Type Ia supernova - that is so bright that astronomers can measure the distance to the galaxy in which it resides, and even learn which elements make...
Other
Ellinogermaniki Agogi: Eratosthenes Experiment
A profile of the ancient Greek mathematician, geographer, and astronomer, Eratosthenes. Looks at his many accomplishments, including measuring the circumference of the Earth and the distance to the Moon and the Sun. Includes links to...