+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scale Model of the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students work in groups of 4-6 for the experiment/activity part of this exercise. Students know that earth is the third planet from the sun in a system that includes the moon, the sun, eight other planets and their moons, and smaller...
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

Solar System

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this online interactive solar system activity, students respond to 10 fill in the blank questions regarding the information included in the provided paragraphs.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Adding the Moon: Using a Classroom Model to Explore the Movement of the Sun, Earth, and Moon

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students observe and discuss motions of the Earth and the Moon as they spin and orbit the Sun.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar System: Sun

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students research information about the Sun, sunspots and how the Sun creates nuclear energy. They investigate how the Sun affects Earth.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Special Planet Earth

For Teachers K
Students explore what is special about our planet. They explore the various climates that are found on the planet Earth. Students create an advertisement to convince people why their favorite environment would be the best place to visit.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Turns? Prove It!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners construct a pendulum using a washer and thin fishing line. In this earth science instructional activity, students simulate Earth's rotation using the pendulum bob and swivel chair. They explain how this activity proves that the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They Work?

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore the characteristics of major ecosystems, the interactions of the organisms within the systems, and the effects of humans on the system. Both living and non-living components are examined in this five lesson unit.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Journey Through Our Solar System

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the concept of the solar system in our universe by constructing a model that is made to a measurable scale. Once the model is constructed it should be placed in a wide open space for observation and demonstration...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning from Light: The Big Bang

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore what astronomers are able to examine our galaxy and universe by examining light. They explore in this sub-unit the formation of the universe, commonly called "The Big Bang," and it follows studying from the Light:...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Asteroids

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students study asteroids and how their size relates to a possible danger of one colliding with Earth.  In this asteroids lesson students see how big an asteroid has to be to cause destruction to Earth. 
+
Activity
Curated OER

3D Textured Globe

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
The earth, our home planet, and the star of Earth Day celebrations everywhere! Celebrate Earth Day or examine Earth's place in the solar system, with a fun and easy craft, perfect for children nine and up. Paper mache ornaments, paint,...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blazing Gas

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read and discuss the sun and the energy we use on Earth from the sun. In this sun lesson plan, 4th graders discuss the solar system, planets, and answer short answer questions.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Green Buildings Virtual Tour

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Pupils fill out a worksheet after researching green buildings by taking a virtual tour. In this green buildings lesson plan, students use Google Earth to research green buildings.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Explore Surface Types on a Journey Around Earth

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore satellite data. In this technology cross-curriculum math and world geography lesson, students locate specific map areas using a microset of satellite data. Students use technology and math skills to determine percentages...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Breaking it Down

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers will identify the factors that contribute to erosion and weathering. They will start by differentiating between chemical and mechanical weathering. They then apply what they learned by playing the online jeopardy game. Key...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Regolith

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
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...
+
PPT
Curated OER

An Introduction to GPS

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
GPS is a technological tool that has become available for use by the general public. Navigate the components and science involved in this remote sensing system. Here is a comprehensive collection of slides that would be valuable to share...
+
Lesson Plan
National Wildlife Federation

The Amazing Adventures of Carbon: How Carbon Cycles through the Earth

For Students 5th - 8th Standards
Here's a stat for your pupils: 18 percent of the human body is carbon! Part 10 in the series of 12 takes pairs on an adventure through the carbon cycle. After a class reading about carbon, pairs read and choose their own adventure...
+
Lesson Plan
1
1
Chicago Botanic Garden

Albedo, Reflectivity, and Absorption

For Teachers 5th - 6th
What is reflectivity, and what does it have to do with the Earth's climate? As reflectivity is measured by albedo, scientists can gather information on Earth's energy balances that relate to global warming or climate change. Budding...
+
Lesson Plan
1
1
Chicago Botanic Garden

Greenhouse Gas Emissions — Natural and Human Causes

For Teachers 5th - 6th Standards
What impact do humans have on greenhouse gas emissions? What are the natural causes of these gasses? Thanks to the carbon cycle, carbon dioxide eats away at the earth's atmosphere with the intensified help of humans. Young scientists...
+
Lesson Plan
Colorado State University

What Is a "Model"?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
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...
+
Lesson Plan
NASA

Cleaning Water

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
From their sweat to the water vapor in their breath, astronauts recycle every possible drop of water while in space. After watching a short video describing the different ways materials are recycled and reused in space shuttles, young...
+
Activity
It's About Time

The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Your Community

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Do you have blossoming astronomers who seek to understand the electromagnetic spectrum? Assist them with exploring electromagnetic radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum as the class conducts various activities to demonstrate...
+
Lesson Plan
Syracuse University

Erie Canal

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
While canals are not the way to travel today, in the first half of the nineteenth century, they were sometimes the best way to move goods and people. Scholars examine primary sources, including maps and pictures, to investigate the role...