University of Texas
Observing the Moon
Why does it look like there is a man on the moon? Why does the moon look different every night? These are the focus questions of a lesson that prompts class members to observe and record the nightly changes of Earth's natural satellite.
K5 Learning
Sun, Stars and Moon
Learners read about the objects we see in our night and day skies before answering five short answer comprehension questions.
Weber State University
The Sun and the Seasons
Why is there more daylight in June than in December if you live above the equator? How does the angle of sunlight shift throughout the year? Answer these questions and more with an interactive article about the sun, its path through the...
Colorado State University
What Is a "Model"?
Model the transfer of energy during a typical 24-hour period. Young scholars use a game-like approach to learning the patterns of heat transfer through the day and night. Groups of four exchange different tokens as the energy transfers...
Curated OER
Ten Fingers Ten Toes
First graders identify the number 10 by completing a page for a counting book. They add the page to the first nine pages.
Curated OER
Too Bright at Night?
Students explore the consequences of light pollution. They consider benefits and drawbacks of technology in order to acquire informed attitudes on the various technologies and their social, cultural, economic, and ecological consequences. .
Curated OER
Shadow Trackers
Students use online websites to inquire about the cycle of day and night. In this web based lesson, students are able to see the movement of the sun and Earth. Students can look at different parts of the Earth as if they were on the Sun...
Curated OER
Glow in the Dark Stars and Planets
Learners view a "night sky" made from glow in the dark stars. They discuss stars, planets, the sun, and constellations.
Curated OER
Astrology: Fact Or Fiction?
High schoolers investigate the concept of astrology and how it evolved from history. They use the Zodiac in order to find the location of constellations in the night sky. The differences between astrology and astronomy are compared and...
Curated OER
Astrology: Fact or Fiction?
Students explore the topic of astrology and review the beliefs behind it. They read sample horoscopes. Using a portable digital planetarium, they view the night sky and the zodiac constellations. They examine and discuss the science...
Curated OER
Constellation Companions
Students research the star composition for a constellation after a brainstorming session suggesting why humans have organized the night sky into constellation patterns. They use the research to create their own constellation and myth...
Curated OER
Multicultural Sun, Moon, and Star Activities
Young scholars research the multicultural stories and artistic representations of the Sun, Moon, and stars. In this multicultural space lesson plan, students discuss the symbols and stories for the sun in various cultures. Young scholars...
Curated OER
Children of the Earth and Sky
Fourth graders explore the culture and traditions of Native Americans. After reading "Children of the Earth and Sky," students discuss the lives of Native American children in relation to their own. They create replicas of Hopi...
Curated OER
One Sun, One Moon
First graders read "Ten Black Dots" by Donald Crews and then create their own counting books focusing on the number 1 (one) and using yellow dots to represent the sun, moon and stars.
Curated OER
Science: Day and Night
Pupils listen to the Sky Tellers Native American story, "Ant Dances for Light," and illustrate it. They observe how Earth's rotation results in periods of darkness and light. Students investigate how day length varies throughout the...
Curated OER
Is the Moon out tonight?
Learners talk or read about the way the moon travels across the sky. They then look at the picture of where the moon is and draw where it will be in the picture, later in the evening. Note: The worksheet is intended for third or fourth...
Curated OER
Astronomy Unit: For Autistic Learners
In need of a few great ways to teach an arts-enriched lesson on astronomy? This resource contains several interesting ideas that link poetry to the stars in the sky. These suggestions are very simple and could use a teachers touch, but...
K5 Learning
Ray and His Kite
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a comet? Learn about the mysterious light that appears in the sky one night with a short reading passage and accompanying comprehension questions.
Curated OER
Sky Pictures
Students investigate constellations. In this space science instructional activity, students view transparencies of constellations and identify the zodiac constellations. Students research the legends connected with the constellations.
Curated OER
Sunrise, Sunset: Quickly Go the Days
Students explore the concept of daylight. In this daylight lesson, students compare the amount of daylight on a particular day in Anchorage compared with daylight where they live. Students color maps of the US according to amount of...
Curated OER
Mars: Off the Charts--Until You Put It There
Learners explore the night sky and make illustrations which are shared in class the next day. Distinctions are made between the stars and the planets and views of the constellations for the season are made available. The work of early...
Curated OER
Myths and Legends
Eighth graders write a myth about a constellation that is seen from the night sky in South Carolina. They draw a picture of their constellation to attach to their myth. They scan their pictures and type their stories into a web page...
Curated OER
Geometry in the Constellations: The ER-2
Students discuss reasons to record the location of stars. They view a picture of the night sky, and discuss constellations. Students complete a worksheet of the various shapes they see in the constellations.