Curated OER
Sun, Spectra, and Stars
Get ready to spark interest in electromagnetic radiation! This resource shares nine indelible inquiries that you can choose from to ignite understanding of spectra and the relationship between light and heat. The assessments that follow...
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Starlight
An introductory exploration of the nature of light is provided via activities and demonstrations. Science superstars observe various light sources, learn how to apply inverse square law, and practice using a light meter. Follow-up...
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Get a Leg Up
Traveling through space is an amazing experience, but it definitely takes a toll on the body. After reading an article and watching a brief video, learners perform an experiment that simulates the effects of zero gravity on the human body.
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Making Regolith
You may not be able to take a field trip to the moon, but that doesn't mean your class can't study moon rocks. Using graham crackers as the moon's bedrock and powdered donuts as micrometeorites, young scientists simulate the creation of...
American Museum of Natural History
Cosmic Wallpapers
Decorate your screen with a cosmic wallpaper featuring the Orion Nebula, Helix Nebula, or Supernova.
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Solar Surfing
Students explore sources of solar astronomy. They use the internet to identify web pages associated with solar observatories, astronomical organizations, and educational sights associated with both. Students identify the type of...
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Flying with Pythagoras
A lengthy narrative about Pythagoras and his students precedes an activity in which your young mathematicians practice using the Pythagorean theorem to solve three problems about flight and distance. Answers are provided.
Yummy Math
Happy 14th B’ak’tun, the start of the next Great Mayan cycle
The ancient Mayans had a complex calendar and number system with a rich history. In fact, the date 12/21/2012 was the center of much controversy as to whether or not it was the end of time. It wasn't the end of time, but it was the end...
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The KAO Telescope
Students explore the basic principles of the operation of the NASA's KAO telescope. They construct a simplified model of it using film canisters and other everyday objects. Step by step directions are included in plan.
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Deep Impact Comet On A Stick
Students investigate the concept of a comet. They construct a model of a comet. The design is done using the same thoughts of an engineer. Students work together to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the comet models. If the model...
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Puzzling Planets
Students examine the concept of a solar system. In this research based lesson, students compare a star and a planet. They explain the requirements for life in a biosphere.
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Following in Galileo's Footsteps
Students explore the findings of Galileo and research the moons of Jupiter. They construct simple telescopes, and examine the moons for themselves at a star party. They record their findings in a journal.
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Beyond The Earth Part I
Students explore the solar system. In this space science activity, students take notes on the solar system provided by their instructors. Students then collaborate to design a computer-generated drawing of the solar system.
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Distance in Space
Sixth graders explore space science by measuring distances between planets. In this solar system lesson, 6th graders view a Bill Nye video and discover the conversion between the metric system and imperial measuring systems. Students...
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Distance Makes a Difference
Students create a clay model of the Sun and Earth. For this space science lesson, students explain how distance affects the appearance of objects. They write a poem or riddle about the Sun in their journal.
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Herschel Infrared Experiment
Students perform a version of the experiment of 1800 by the famous astronomer Sir Frederick William Herschel.
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Start the Space Flight Time Line
Students research space flight exploration and technology. In small groups, they research a significant event from early time until the start of the space age. A class time line is created from the research groups.
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Space Shuttle Mission STS-128
In this space science worksheet, students read about the space shuttle mission and answer 6 short answer questions about life of astronauts in space stations.
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Seasonal CEENBoT
Learners simulate the Earth's revolution around the sun using CEENBoT. In this earth science lesson students calculate the Earth's distance in AU and it's speed of revolution. They explain how the Earth's movement cause seasonal variation.
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An Explorative Journey Through the Solar System
Students explore space science by creating a planetary model in class. In this solar system instructional activity, students identify the many planets and moons that make up the solar system and decide on one entity in which to research....
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History of Mythology, Astronomy and Astrology
Ninth graders examine the relationships of science and technology and how it influences people's perceptions of places. In this mythology and astronomy lesson students view a PowerPoint presentation and complete a worksheet.
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Star Child Astronomy
Students gain understanding of the relationship of Earth within the Solar System. They increase knowlegde of the planets, sun, moon, meteoroids, asteroids and comets.
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Track the Meteor Storm Online!: Leonid Meteor Showers, Astronomy
Young scholars are guided through an online series of readings and questions to explore the Leonid Meteor Showers and related topics. Modifications are provided for teaching this instructional activity to k-4, 5-8, and 9-12 students.
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Astronomy
Middle schoolers brainstorm about what they know about the solar system. They study a planetary fact sheet and create a Venn Diagram with the information. They work in groups to examine the names of the planets and information regarding...