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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Being Nosy About Our Neighbors

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers use the scientific method to explore the effect of size on impact cratering. They compare images of landforms on Earth to those of other planets to compare surface processes. Students infer the geologic history of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Measuring the Speed of Light

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore physics by completing measurement problems in class. In this speed of light lesson, students discuss the importance of knowing the speed of light and how it affects many aspects of human life on Earth. Learners identify...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Changing Perspectives on the Sun's Diameter

For Students 8th - 10th
For this sun's diameter worksheet, learners use a photograph taken by the SOHO satellite of the sun showing a change in diameter from one month to another. Students find the average diameter of the sun, they determine the percent change...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scientist Tracking Network

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Learners correlate surface radiation with mean surface temperature of several geographic regions. They observe how these parameters change with latitude and construct an understanding of the relationship of solar radiation to seasonal...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Hudson's Ups and Downs

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders practice interpreting line graphs of the Hudson River water levels to assess the tides and tidal cycles in the estuary. They explore how weather can affect water levels and tides and observe that high tides and low tides...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Bellwork Week 20-Space Science

For Students 7th - 9th
In this space worksheet, students answer questions about the size comparison of the moon, Earth, Solar System, Virgo Cluster, Milky Way Galaxy, and Universe, they answer questions about the Milky Way Galaxy and they sketch the life cycle...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sky Watchers: Ancient Astronomers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers close their eyes and picture the sky. They are asked to brainstorm things they may see in the course of a night and day, such as the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. Students work in groups to coduct their...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Mathematical Dynamics of Celestial Navigation and Astronavigation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore the different methods used in celestial Navigation and astronavigation. In this math lesson, students construct a sextant and demonstrate how it works.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks and Soils

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners compare the properties of rocks and relate these properties to their use. They perform a virtual experiment to describe and group rocks on the basis of their characteristics.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Friction

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars compare and contrast the movement of objects on different surfaces, experimenting with friction and forces of motion. This friction lesson has numerous online tools including worksheets and virtual activities; the option...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

When a Ruler is Too Short

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students measure distances using parallax. In this math lesson, students explain how this method helped astronomers with their studies of the solar system. They determine the length of their arm using parallax and compare it with other...
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Lesson Plan
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University of Colorado

Clay Planets

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Why do scientists use models? In the first installment of 22, groups create scale models of our solar system. They then share and discuss their models.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Climate

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders create two dioramas out of household materials to compare the influence of various factors that impact climate. Each group discuss how the change in factors influenced the climate, flora, and fauna of their area.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Regolith Formation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students compare and contrast the process of regolith formations. In groups, students define regolith and discover how regolith is formed on the Earth and on the Moon. They participate in experimental activities to simulate regolith.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Crater

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students examine the characteristics of craters. In this crater lesson, students discover how meteors form craters on planets and moons as they make their own craters and respond to observational questions regarding the scientific...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Measurement Problems

For Students 7th - 11th
In this measurement worksheet, students determine how gravity affects your weight and mass on a different planet. Students practice converting measurements to different units. This worksheet has 12 problems to solve.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar System Slide Show

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students work in small groups to research a planet in our Solar System in order to compare it to Earth. They examine the planet's size, atmosphere, rotation and revolution periods, temperature, and other attributes. They collect...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sky Watching

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine telescopes and understand how they have helped us better understand the sky.  In this astronomy lesson students complete a worksheet and a lab activity.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clay Planets

For Teachers 4th - 10th
Students create scale models of the planets out of clay and compare them to the real planets.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Up?

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students compare and contrast the various heavenly bodies found in the sky at night. They identify the moon and stars in the sky as well as how the stars form pictures called constellations. Students also experiment with reflection and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Celebrate The Four Seasons

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students investigate cause and effect and compare and contrast how recurring cycles are evident in multiple aspects of their education. They answer questions in the chosen field. Students model each aspect by interpreting, perceiving and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anza and Font in Search of Latitude

For Teachers 7th
This is an integrated lesson that incorporates Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. In Social Studies, 7th graders complete an online interview and complete an online worksheet about latitude of sites on the Anza trail. In Science...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In Outer Space

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students use the internet to gather information on the solar system. They identify the discoverer and unique characteristics of each planet. They compare and contrast each planet based on size, mass, and distance from the sun. They...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Properties of Rocks

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students compare the properties of rocks. They identify objects made of rocky materials such as walls, sidewalks, etc. Students describe and group rocks based on their characteristics.