Space
Click on the blue writing to go to the site!.
Some resources below are provided as PDF files. This allows for better clarity and printing. To open these files, you will need Adobe Acrobat® Reader™ software installed on your hard drive.
Activities
Grades K-2: Science
In the Right Place
Have students identify objects in outer space and differentiate between objects in our atmosphere and in space.
What Is in Outer Space?
http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?external=http://rip.physics.unk.edu/Astronomy/
Space(k-1).html&original=http://www.proteacher.com/110020.shtml&title=What is in Outer Space?
Grades K-2: Science/Art
Star Stories
Have a class discussion about what a constellation is. Then have students create their own constellations.
ProTeacher: Constellations
http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?external=http://rip.physics.unk.edu/Astronomy/
Constellations(k-2).html&original=http://www.proteacher.com/110020.shtml&title=Constellations
Grades K-3: Art
Look! I'm An Astronaut!
Have children see what they'd look like as an astronaut when they insert a photo of themselves in space suit.
DLTK's Spacesuit Craft for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/space/mspacesuit.html
Grades K-5: Science/Language Arts
Hop Aboard
Students can learn about different kinds of space vehicles by colouring and labelling vehicles of interest. You can also have older students write a fictional space story, using their coloured picture as a prompt.
Space Vehicles Colouring Pages
http://www.coloring.ws/space.htm
Grades K-8: Science/Art
Drawing Room
Launch your students' celestial imaginations by having them draw, colour, and label space-related images such as rockets, planets, space stations, constellations, comets, and astronauts. Students' work can then be collected into a class booklet.
Grades 1-8: Science
Quizzes
Test students' knowledge about space.
The Solar System (grades 1-2) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_1-2.pdf
The Solar System Answer Key (grades 1-2) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_1-2_key.pdf
The Solar System (grades 3-5) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_3-5.pdf
The Solar System Answer Key (grades 3-5) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_3-5_key.pdf
Stars and Galaxies (grades 6-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_6-8.pdf
Stars and Galaxies Answer Key (grades 6-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_6-8_key.pdf
Grades 2-3: Science
Solar Eclipse
The purpose of this activity is to model how day and night occur and to observe that a solar eclipse is nothing more that the shadow of the moon falling on the earth.
Moon Shadows
http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/space/shadow.shtml
Grades 2-3: Science
Gravity Experiment
In this activity, kids will see that gravity keeps the Earth and Moon together and that, without gravity, the Moon would fly away from Earth in a straight line.
Fly Away Moon
http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/space/flyaway.shtml
Grades 2-6: Language Arts
Stamp of Honour
Invite students to honour their favourite astronaut by having them create a postage stamp, highlighting the person's accomplishments. On the front, students can place an image of the person or draw a picture. On the back, students can list important details, including dates and other facts about the man or woman.
Large Stamp Outline (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/stamplg.pdf
Small Stamp Outline (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/stampsm.pdf
Grades 2-8: Language Arts/Science
Greetings from Earth
Have students keep in touch with Earth friends and family with e-cards.
Virtual Postcard
http://windows.arc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/tour_def/cool_stuff/postcards.html
Grades 2-8: Language Arts
Kids in Space
Have students produce and direct their very own adventure movie featuring kids living on a space station. Have students fill in the frames to create a story using drawings or pictures. Then have students write a script to accompany the film. You can hold an awards night to present their work.
Film Strip
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/filmstrip.pdf
Grades 2-8: Language Arts/Science
Word Finds
Have students find words related to space hidden in a puzzle.
Space (grades 2-3) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_easy_wf.pdf
Space Answer Key (grades 2-3) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_easy_wf_key.pdf
Space (grades 4-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_wf_hard.pdf
Space Answer Key (grades 4-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_wf_hard_key.pdf
Grades 2-8: Social Studies
On a Clear Day
The view from space is spectacular. Have students see what their city (or any city they choose) looks like from high above planet Earth. Then have students use an actual map to locate the latitude and longitude position given with the image.
Earth Viewer: Cities Around the World
http://www.fourmilab.ch/earthview/cities.html
Grades 3-5: Language Arts
Poetry That's Out of This World
Have students explore the poetry of space by having them write a celestial poem.
Solar System Poem Form
http://www.abcteach.com/SolarSystem/poemform.htm
Grades 3-5: Language Arts
Mnemonic Order
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. Remembering the order of planets can be a challenge sometimes. Have students use the first letter of each planet to make words that make up a sentence. For example, "My Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us Nine Pizzas."
Grades 3-5: Science
Solar System Book
Have students create a solar system book and use it as a reference for information about our solar system.
Solar System Colouring Pages
http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/astronomy/activities/coloring/
Grades 3-5: Science
How Big Is the Sun?
Students will do an experiment that shows how the earth and the sun compare in size.
The Sun and Earth Size Comparison
http://inspire.ospi.wednet.edu:8001/curric/space/sun/sunearth.html
Grades 3-5: Science
Collect Them All!
Have students learn about objects that make up the solar system by collecting trading cards.
Solar System Trading Cards
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/trading/directions.html
Grades 3-6: Language Arts
The "Week's" Research
Most Latin-based languages, such as English, connect each day of the week with one of the seven "planets" known in ancient times: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Have students use simple research materials such as classroom dictionaries or encyclopaedias, to learn the etymology of weekday names.
Grades 3-6: Science
Galaxy Match Up
Have students try to match the galaxy to it's correct shape.
Galaxy Hunt
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/galaxies-galore/hunt/index.html
Grades 3-8: Science
Astronomy in Words and Pictures
Have students learn the definitions of nearly two dozen astronomy words, and then create an illustrated booklet of terms.
An Illustrated Astronomy Glossary
http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-1679.html
Grades 4-6: Math
Outer Planets
Have students solve math problems based on facts about planets in our solar system
Saturn Stumpers
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcda3_6d.htm
Grades 4-6: Math
Lunar Logic
Have students solve math logic problems based on facts about Jupiter's and Uranus's Moons.
The Problem with Galilean Moons!
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcda3_10d.htm
Icy Logic
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcdb3_7c.htm
Grades 4-6: Math
Weight and Gravity
Have students figure out how much they would weigh on other planets.
How Much Do You Weigh on Other Planets?
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/relwchart1.htm
Grades 4-8: Social Studies
The Right Stuff
Hold a class discussion on the qualities—personal and academic—that are essential for a career as an astronaut. Then have students research the career of an astronaut and report back to the class. Compare the class discussion with the research results.
Grades 4-8: Science
Eyes on the Skies
Have students observe the sky for several days at different times. Then have students keep a notebook of their observations, thoughts, and questions. Students can look for planets, Earth's moon, satellites, stars, or other objects. Students can also include drawings.
Grades 4-8: Science/Language Arts
Out of Order
It's a filmmaker's headache when the frames get out of order. Have students play "editor" and put the space animation back into its proper sequence.
Movie Maker
http://www.spacekids.com/playanddo/mmaker/index.htm
Grades 4-8: Math
Aliens! Count 'Em!
Captain Earth needs your students' help by counting the number of aliens heading his way.
A Big Problem From Outer Space!
http://www.blmfld.org/araceweb/spacemath/spacey_page!.htm
Grades 4-8: Science/Language Arts
Repair Order
The Hubble telescope needs fixing. Have students follow ten images of mission events, and then reconstruct the logical order of events to "fix the mission."
Mission Mastermind: The Task
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/mastermind/lesson/task_nf.html
Grades 4-8: Science
Moon Watch
Have students keep a close watch on the moon and then draw what they see each night for an entire month.
Moon Observation Chart
http://www.abcteach.com/SolarSystem/moonchart.htm
Grades 4-8: Science
Comet Lab
What type of comet contains sodium, carbon, ammonia, and rock dust? Have students find out by mixing an assortment of chemicals and other elements. After the chemicals are mixed, students can see an image of their comet, and then watch it fly!
Comet Action: Make a Comet
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/comets/lesson/make_nf.html
Grades 4-8: Science
A Passing Phase
Earth's moon passes through eight different phases about once a month. Have students identify and label these phases.
Moonlight Madness
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/activity/moonlight.html
Grades 5-7: Science
Constellations
Have students connect the stars to create constellations.
Connect the Stars
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/Puzzles/Connect/Connect.asp
Grades 5-8: Science
Test Drive
Have students guide Pathfinder to Mars.
Travel Planner Shockwave Applet
http://cbc4kids.cbc.ca/general/games/pathfinder/default.shtml
Grades 6-8: Science/Language Arts
Alien Debate
No one knows for sure, but life in space is a favourite topic for many people. Have students research and debate the possibility of life on other planets.
Hello Out There!
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/6_6_act1.html
Grades 6-8: Social Studies/Math
Space Poll
Is space the best frontier? Hold a class discussion about the best places to explore. Some examples are space, the ocean, Earth's poles, mountains, deserts, or someplace else. Take a poll and have students graph their results.
Grades 6-8: Language Arts/Science
Deep Space
Students will learn about the solar system and our galaxy, and then write a science fiction story based on what they discover.
Solar System Adventure
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/solar.html
Grades 6-8: Science
Service Hubble
Students can save the day by reconstructing the order of events for the Hubble Space Telescope's 2002 Servicing Mission.
Mission Mastermind
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/mastermind/home.html
Grades 7-8: Science
Falling in Space
It's a common misperception that astronauts float in space because of zero gravity. Actually they appear to float because they're free falling. Have students master this concept with an interactive explanation.
NOVA Online/Stationed in the Stars—Free-Falling
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/station/freefalling.html
Grades 7-8: Language Arts
Crossword Puzzle
Have students test their knowledge of space.
Space (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_xword.pdf
Space Answer Key (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_xword_key.pdf
Internet Resources
Space Day: Living and Working in Space
Space Day, which is celebrated each year on the first Thursday in May, will blast off on May 2nd, 2002. Co-chaired by former Senator John Glenn, this award-winning global celebration is dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration of space. This is the official Space Day site.
http://www.spaceday.com/en/what/working.php
NASA Space Science Education Resource Directory
The Space Science Education Resource Directory is a convenient way to find NASA space science lessons for use in classrooms, science museums, planetariums, and other settings. You can search by grade/subject, or by topic.
http://teachspacescience.org/cgi-bin/ssrtop.plex
The Nine Planets
The Nine Planets has a comprehensive and highly praised overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in our solar system. Each page has text and images, some have sounds and movies, most provide references to additional related information.
http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/nineplanets.html
How Things Fly: Resource Centre
The National Aerospace Science Museum has compiled more than 35 science activities related to flying and space. Most experiments require just simple everyday materials.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/galleries/gal109/NEWHTF/RESROOM/RESOURCE.HTM
Sky Maps
If you live in the Midwest, this site will show you monthly maps of the sky above you.
http://dustbunny.com/afk/sky/sky.htm
TOPEX/POSEIDON Online Colouring and Activity Book
The University of Texas has created multiple classroom activities focused on the TOPEX/Poseidon space mission which links space with the ocean. Included are puzzles, colouring, ask-a-scientist, links, and more
http://www.tsgc.utexas.edu/topex/kids/
Lunar Prospector
NASA has developed three separate lesson plans focused on the earth's moon.
http://lunar.arc.nasa.gov/education/lesson.htm
Air and Space Terms
Here is a five-page, A to Z glossary of frequently used air and space terms.
http://www.teachervision.com/tv/printables/AirandSpaceTerms.pdf
Spacekids Solar System Tour
Spacekids has a fantastic multimedia presentation of the solar system that's well worth a visit.
http://www.spacekids.com/solarsystem/index.html
Build Your Own Mars Pathfinder Spacecraft Model
A NASA scientist offers PDF files for budding scientists who want to build this spacecraft model.
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/mpf/education/cutouts.html
NASA'S Planetary Photojournal
NASA's Planetary Photojournal represents a collaboration among NASA's Planetary Data System Imaging Node, the Solar System Visualization Project and JPL's Media Relations Office. The site offers easy access to publicly released images from solar system exploration programs.
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/
Windows to the Universe
Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system about Earth and Space sciences for the general public. It is sponsored by the Regents of the University of Michigan and funded by NASA.
http://www.windows.umich.edu/
Our Solar System
NASA Spacelink is a service of NASA's Education Division designed to support students and teachers in research and curriculum development.
http://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/Curriculum.Support/Space.Science/Our.Solar.System/
Amazing Space
Amazing Space is a set of Web-based activities primarily designed for classroom use.
http://oposite.stsci.edu/pubinfo/amazing-space.html
Monthly Themes
Education Place | Site Index
Copyright © 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company. All Rights
Terms and Conditions of Use | Privacy Statement
The first site can be found at
http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow9/dec98/outline.htm and is entitled Chart
Your Course. Briefly, it is an outline that has been developed as a guide
to assist classroom teachers in teaching a unit about Space. This outline
has the added distinction of being designed for a Grade 6 class
The outline has 2 main sections
1. The Solar System, which covers physical characteristics of the solar
system, bodies in space; the Moons surface; cycles in nature and major
constellations.
2. Space Exploration, which covers astronomy timeline, the history of
space exploration, space progress, astronauts in space, space debris and
space/new technology.
This outline is based upon the Ontario Ministry of Education Science and
Technology document Earth and Space Systems: Space. This site has a link
to the Wonders of Space homepage, which supports the outline. This site
can be found at http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow9/dec98/space.htm
The second site is NASA's kids page attached to their official site,
which is at
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/Space/ This site provides up-to-date scientific
information regarding space and space exploration in language that
students can understand. Information on everything from the International
Space Station to black holes and quasars is available. Students can even
talk with NASA scientists online and undertake science experiments
related to space.
Click on the blue writing to go to the site!.
Some resources below are provided as PDF files. This allows for better clarity and printing. To open these files, you will need Adobe Acrobat® Reader™ software installed on your hard drive.
Activities
Grades K-2: Science
In the Right Place
Have students identify objects in outer space and differentiate between objects in our atmosphere and in space.
What Is in Outer Space?
http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?external=http://rip.physics.unk.edu/Astronomy/
Space(k-1).html&original=http://www.proteacher.com/110020.shtml&title=What is in Outer Space?
Grades K-2: Science/Art
Star Stories
Have a class discussion about what a constellation is. Then have students create their own constellations.
ProTeacher: Constellations
http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?external=http://rip.physics.unk.edu/Astronomy/
Constellations(k-2).html&original=http://www.proteacher.com/110020.shtml&title=Constellations
Grades K-3: Art
Look! I'm An Astronaut!
Have children see what they'd look like as an astronaut when they insert a photo of themselves in space suit.
DLTK's Spacesuit Craft for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/space/mspacesuit.html
Grades K-5: Science/Language Arts
Hop Aboard
Students can learn about different kinds of space vehicles by colouring and labelling vehicles of interest. You can also have older students write a fictional space story, using their coloured picture as a prompt.
Space Vehicles Colouring Pages
http://www.coloring.ws/space.htm
Grades K-8: Science/Art
Drawing Room
Launch your students' celestial imaginations by having them draw, colour, and label space-related images such as rockets, planets, space stations, constellations, comets, and astronauts. Students' work can then be collected into a class booklet.
Grades 1-8: Science
Quizzes
Test students' knowledge about space.
The Solar System (grades 1-2) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_1-2.pdf
The Solar System Answer Key (grades 1-2) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_1-2_key.pdf
The Solar System (grades 3-5) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_3-5.pdf
The Solar System Answer Key (grades 3-5) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_3-5_key.pdf
Stars and Galaxies (grades 6-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_6-8.pdf
Stars and Galaxies Answer Key (grades 6-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_quiz_6-8_key.pdf
Grades 2-3: Science
Solar Eclipse
The purpose of this activity is to model how day and night occur and to observe that a solar eclipse is nothing more that the shadow of the moon falling on the earth.
Moon Shadows
http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/space/shadow.shtml
Grades 2-3: Science
Gravity Experiment
In this activity, kids will see that gravity keeps the Earth and Moon together and that, without gravity, the Moon would fly away from Earth in a straight line.
Fly Away Moon
http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/space/flyaway.shtml
Grades 2-6: Language Arts
Stamp of Honour
Invite students to honour their favourite astronaut by having them create a postage stamp, highlighting the person's accomplishments. On the front, students can place an image of the person or draw a picture. On the back, students can list important details, including dates and other facts about the man or woman.
Large Stamp Outline (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/stamplg.pdf
Small Stamp Outline (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/stampsm.pdf
Grades 2-8: Language Arts/Science
Greetings from Earth
Have students keep in touch with Earth friends and family with e-cards.
Virtual Postcard
http://windows.arc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/tour_def/cool_stuff/postcards.html
Grades 2-8: Language Arts
Kids in Space
Have students produce and direct their very own adventure movie featuring kids living on a space station. Have students fill in the frames to create a story using drawings or pictures. Then have students write a script to accompany the film. You can hold an awards night to present their work.
Film Strip
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/filmstrip.pdf
Grades 2-8: Language Arts/Science
Word Finds
Have students find words related to space hidden in a puzzle.
Space (grades 2-3) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_easy_wf.pdf
Space Answer Key (grades 2-3) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_easy_wf_key.pdf
Space (grades 4-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_wf_hard.pdf
Space Answer Key (grades 4-8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_wf_hard_key.pdf
Grades 2-8: Social Studies
On a Clear Day
The view from space is spectacular. Have students see what their city (or any city they choose) looks like from high above planet Earth. Then have students use an actual map to locate the latitude and longitude position given with the image.
Earth Viewer: Cities Around the World
http://www.fourmilab.ch/earthview/cities.html
Grades 3-5: Language Arts
Poetry That's Out of This World
Have students explore the poetry of space by having them write a celestial poem.
Solar System Poem Form
http://www.abcteach.com/SolarSystem/poemform.htm
Grades 3-5: Language Arts
Mnemonic Order
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. Remembering the order of planets can be a challenge sometimes. Have students use the first letter of each planet to make words that make up a sentence. For example, "My Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us Nine Pizzas."
Grades 3-5: Science
Solar System Book
Have students create a solar system book and use it as a reference for information about our solar system.
Solar System Colouring Pages
http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/astronomy/activities/coloring/
Grades 3-5: Science
How Big Is the Sun?
Students will do an experiment that shows how the earth and the sun compare in size.
The Sun and Earth Size Comparison
http://inspire.ospi.wednet.edu:8001/curric/space/sun/sunearth.html
Grades 3-5: Science
Collect Them All!
Have students learn about objects that make up the solar system by collecting trading cards.
Solar System Trading Cards
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/trading/directions.html
Grades 3-6: Language Arts
The "Week's" Research
Most Latin-based languages, such as English, connect each day of the week with one of the seven "planets" known in ancient times: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Have students use simple research materials such as classroom dictionaries or encyclopaedias, to learn the etymology of weekday names.
Grades 3-6: Science
Galaxy Match Up
Have students try to match the galaxy to it's correct shape.
Galaxy Hunt
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/galaxies-galore/hunt/index.html
Grades 3-8: Science
Astronomy in Words and Pictures
Have students learn the definitions of nearly two dozen astronomy words, and then create an illustrated booklet of terms.
An Illustrated Astronomy Glossary
http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-1679.html
Grades 4-6: Math
Outer Planets
Have students solve math problems based on facts about planets in our solar system
Saturn Stumpers
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcda3_6d.htm
Grades 4-6: Math
Lunar Logic
Have students solve math logic problems based on facts about Jupiter's and Uranus's Moons.
The Problem with Galilean Moons!
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcda3_10d.htm
Icy Logic
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcdb3_7c.htm
Grades 4-6: Math
Weight and Gravity
Have students figure out how much they would weigh on other planets.
How Much Do You Weigh on Other Planets?
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/relwchart1.htm
Grades 4-8: Social Studies
The Right Stuff
Hold a class discussion on the qualities—personal and academic—that are essential for a career as an astronaut. Then have students research the career of an astronaut and report back to the class. Compare the class discussion with the research results.
Grades 4-8: Science
Eyes on the Skies
Have students observe the sky for several days at different times. Then have students keep a notebook of their observations, thoughts, and questions. Students can look for planets, Earth's moon, satellites, stars, or other objects. Students can also include drawings.
Grades 4-8: Science/Language Arts
Out of Order
It's a filmmaker's headache when the frames get out of order. Have students play "editor" and put the space animation back into its proper sequence.
Movie Maker
http://www.spacekids.com/playanddo/mmaker/index.htm
Grades 4-8: Math
Aliens! Count 'Em!
Captain Earth needs your students' help by counting the number of aliens heading his way.
A Big Problem From Outer Space!
http://www.blmfld.org/araceweb/spacemath/spacey_page!.htm
Grades 4-8: Science/Language Arts
Repair Order
The Hubble telescope needs fixing. Have students follow ten images of mission events, and then reconstruct the logical order of events to "fix the mission."
Mission Mastermind: The Task
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/mastermind/lesson/task_nf.html
Grades 4-8: Science
Moon Watch
Have students keep a close watch on the moon and then draw what they see each night for an entire month.
Moon Observation Chart
http://www.abcteach.com/SolarSystem/moonchart.htm
Grades 4-8: Science
Comet Lab
What type of comet contains sodium, carbon, ammonia, and rock dust? Have students find out by mixing an assortment of chemicals and other elements. After the chemicals are mixed, students can see an image of their comet, and then watch it fly!
Comet Action: Make a Comet
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/comets/lesson/make_nf.html
Grades 4-8: Science
A Passing Phase
Earth's moon passes through eight different phases about once a month. Have students identify and label these phases.
Moonlight Madness
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/activity/moonlight.html
Grades 5-7: Science
Constellations
Have students connect the stars to create constellations.
Connect the Stars
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/Puzzles/Connect/Connect.asp
Grades 5-8: Science
Test Drive
Have students guide Pathfinder to Mars.
Travel Planner Shockwave Applet
http://cbc4kids.cbc.ca/general/games/pathfinder/default.shtml
Grades 6-8: Science/Language Arts
Alien Debate
No one knows for sure, but life in space is a favourite topic for many people. Have students research and debate the possibility of life on other planets.
Hello Out There!
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/6_6_act1.html
Grades 6-8: Social Studies/Math
Space Poll
Is space the best frontier? Hold a class discussion about the best places to explore. Some examples are space, the ocean, Earth's poles, mountains, deserts, or someplace else. Take a poll and have students graph their results.
Grades 6-8: Language Arts/Science
Deep Space
Students will learn about the solar system and our galaxy, and then write a science fiction story based on what they discover.
Solar System Adventure
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/solar.html
Grades 6-8: Science
Service Hubble
Students can save the day by reconstructing the order of events for the Hubble Space Telescope's 2002 Servicing Mission.
Mission Mastermind
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/mastermind/home.html
Grades 7-8: Science
Falling in Space
It's a common misperception that astronauts float in space because of zero gravity. Actually they appear to float because they're free falling. Have students master this concept with an interactive explanation.
NOVA Online/Stationed in the Stars—Free-Falling
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/station/freefalling.html
Grades 7-8: Language Arts
Crossword Puzzle
Have students test their knowledge of space.
Space (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_xword.pdf
Space Answer Key (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/may/pdf/space_xword_key.pdf
Internet Resources
Space Day: Living and Working in Space
Space Day, which is celebrated each year on the first Thursday in May, will blast off on May 2nd, 2002. Co-chaired by former Senator John Glenn, this award-winning global celebration is dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration of space. This is the official Space Day site.
http://www.spaceday.com/en/what/working.php
NASA Space Science Education Resource Directory
The Space Science Education Resource Directory is a convenient way to find NASA space science lessons for use in classrooms, science museums, planetariums, and other settings. You can search by grade/subject, or by topic.
http://teachspacescience.org/cgi-bin/ssrtop.plex
The Nine Planets
The Nine Planets has a comprehensive and highly praised overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in our solar system. Each page has text and images, some have sounds and movies, most provide references to additional related information.
http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/nineplanets.html
How Things Fly: Resource Centre
The National Aerospace Science Museum has compiled more than 35 science activities related to flying and space. Most experiments require just simple everyday materials.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/galleries/gal109/NEWHTF/RESROOM/RESOURCE.HTM
Sky Maps
If you live in the Midwest, this site will show you monthly maps of the sky above you.
http://dustbunny.com/afk/sky/sky.htm
TOPEX/POSEIDON Online Colouring and Activity Book
The University of Texas has created multiple classroom activities focused on the TOPEX/Poseidon space mission which links space with the ocean. Included are puzzles, colouring, ask-a-scientist, links, and more
http://www.tsgc.utexas.edu/topex/kids/
Lunar Prospector
NASA has developed three separate lesson plans focused on the earth's moon.
http://lunar.arc.nasa.gov/education/lesson.htm
Air and Space Terms
Here is a five-page, A to Z glossary of frequently used air and space terms.
http://www.teachervision.com/tv/printables/AirandSpaceTerms.pdf
Spacekids Solar System Tour
Spacekids has a fantastic multimedia presentation of the solar system that's well worth a visit.
http://www.spacekids.com/solarsystem/index.html
Build Your Own Mars Pathfinder Spacecraft Model
A NASA scientist offers PDF files for budding scientists who want to build this spacecraft model.
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/mpf/education/cutouts.html
NASA'S Planetary Photojournal
NASA's Planetary Photojournal represents a collaboration among NASA's Planetary Data System Imaging Node, the Solar System Visualization Project and JPL's Media Relations Office. The site offers easy access to publicly released images from solar system exploration programs.
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/
Windows to the Universe
Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system about Earth and Space sciences for the general public. It is sponsored by the Regents of the University of Michigan and funded by NASA.
http://www.windows.umich.edu/
Our Solar System
NASA Spacelink is a service of NASA's Education Division designed to support students and teachers in research and curriculum development.
http://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/Curriculum.Support/Space.Science/Our.Solar.System/
Amazing Space
Amazing Space is a set of Web-based activities primarily designed for classroom use.
http://oposite.stsci.edu/pubinfo/amazing-space.html
Monthly Themes
Education Place | Site Index
Copyright © 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company. All Rights
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The first site can be found at
http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow9/dec98/outline.htm and is entitled Chart
Your Course. Briefly, it is an outline that has been developed as a guide
to assist classroom teachers in teaching a unit about Space. This outline
has the added distinction of being designed for a Grade 6 class
The outline has 2 main sections
1. The Solar System, which covers physical characteristics of the solar
system, bodies in space; the Moons surface; cycles in nature and major
constellations.
2. Space Exploration, which covers astronomy timeline, the history of
space exploration, space progress, astronauts in space, space debris and
space/new technology.
This outline is based upon the Ontario Ministry of Education Science and
Technology document Earth and Space Systems: Space. This site has a link
to the Wonders of Space homepage, which supports the outline. This site
can be found at http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow9/dec98/space.htm
The second site is NASA's kids page attached to their official site,
which is at
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/Space/ This site provides up-to-date scientific
information regarding space and space exploration in language that
students can understand. Information on everything from the International
Space Station to black holes and quasars is available. Students can even
talk with NASA scientists online and undertake science experiments
related to space.
Background
http://www.grsites.com/textures/ss001.shtml
Science Experiment
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/AtHomeAstronomy/
Monthly Themes
Education Place
Copyright © 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company. All Rights
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