Sixth graders explore the concept of constellations. In this constellations lesson plan, 6th graders research Internet and print sources regarding constellations, particularly those that are named for mythological creatures. Students...

Pupils explore the difference between a meteor, meteorite and meteoroid. In this space science lesson, students first read information about these space bodies. Pupils make Comet Cookies and use them to model a meteor shower with a lamp...

In this solar system review activity, students use dictionaries to define the 10 listed terms pertaining to the Earth, sun, and moon.

In this earth and space science worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle given 7 clues and a word bank about the solar system, earthquakes, currents and the Earth's crust.

In this earth and space science worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle given 7 clues and a word bank on topics such as earthquakes, erosion, galaxies and weathering.

In this earth and space science activity, students complete a crossword puzzle given 9 clues and a word bank on topics such as sea floor spreading, tectonic plates, faults, lava and the big bang theory.

Sixth graders discover why planets stay in orbit. In groups, they use everyday materials to examine the effect of gravity of objects and calculate how mass changes based on gravitational pull. To end the lesson, they discuss how...

Young scholars view geologic time lines and discuss how old the Earth and solar system is, when dinosaurs roamed Earth, and when humans first appeared. They review the four major eons and life that was present in each before creating a...

Students complete an in-depth study of the known planets in the solar system. As a class, students identify the planets that are known in the universe, in the night sky. They explain the differences between planets and stars and the...

Students explore the major constellations. After reviewing the Earth's basic motions and their significance, students discuss the moon's orbit and revolutions. Using a Digitarium Alpha portable planetarium projector, they observe at...

Students engage in a lesson that covers the concept of different phases of the moon. They name the cycles of the phases of the moon while using flashlights to simulate the light of the sun. They research information about several...

Middle schoolers discover scales for both the solar bodies' relative sizes and their distances from the sun. They find equatorial circumference and volumes of their solar bodies. Students apply estimation strategies and proportioanl...

Students investigate the planets in our solar system. They conduct research using a variety of resources in order for students to make cognitive connections with the demonstrations made by the teacher. Students discover how to recognize...

High schoolers investigate the history and use of the Hubble Space Telescope. They take a quiz in order to establish in any prior knowledge. Students conduct research to find information in conjunction with participating in class...

Students engage in a lesson that investigates finding the dates of the solstices and equinoxes. They define the terms related to the concept and conduct research in order to explain the physical occurrences. They also relate to how the...

Students create a booklet about the inner planets after researching the characteristics of each planet. Students research the following items for each planet: moons, size, rotation, orbit, atmosphere, an interesting fact. Their final...

Students use a simple physical model of the Earth, sun, and moon to understand why the moon changes phases from the perspective of Earthly observers. They hold up balls representing the moon in a room with a single light source to see...

Students compare planet sizes using class members holding fruit to represent the planets. They arrange the nine students in planetary order and compare and contrast the planets. Working in groups, students color and decorate planet...

Students, working in groups, research planets in terms of the size, temperature, number of moons, and potential for life. They use packets and worksheets as guides for their research. Students may role-play as aliens visiting their...

Students role-play and communicate that objects in space have describable properties, locations, and movements. Students identify and communicate effectively that Earth is the third planet from the Sun in the solar system, eight other...

Young scholars investigate that the sun is at the center of the solar system through role play. One student is the sun and one student is the Earth. The students then show how the Earth orbits around the sun. Young scholars view a...

Middle schoolers investigate how engineers navigate satellites in orbit around the Earth and on their way to other planets in the solar system. They study vocabulary words and participate in studying a satellite by learning about times...

Students discover the planets and their location in the solar system. They complete a KWL chart on Saturn and discuss. They complete the lesson plan with a writing activity.

Learners identify the name, order and attributes of the planets. They role play the position of planets, and draw pictures of the planets as well.