Primary Astronomy

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Primary Astronomy Collection Resources (65)

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Are We Alone?
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Are We Alone?
Rating

The year is 2032 and your class has successfully achieved a manned mission to Mars! After several explorations of the Red Planet, one question is still being debated: "Is there life on Mars?" The class is challenged with the task of establishing criteria to help look for signs of life. Student explorers conduct a scientific experiment in which they evaluate three "Martian" soil samples and determine if any contain life.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Chris Yakacki
Daria Kotys-Schwartz
Geoffrey Hill
Janet Yowell
Malinda Schaefer Zarske
Date Added:
09/18/2014
MoreLess
Astronomy Snakes & Ladders Game
Astronomy Snakes & Ladders Game
Rating

The classic snakes and ladders game is replaced by rockets and comets in this astronomy themed version. The game is challenging and interactive way to learn various astronomical topics while moving your way to the winning square as space travellers.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Diagram/Illustration
Game
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Avivah Yamani
Date Added:
04/04/2014
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Beyond the Milky Way
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Beyond the Milky Way
Rating

When we look at the night sky, we see stars and the nearby planets of our own solar system. Many of those stars are actually distant galaxies and glowing clouds of dust and gases called nebulae. The universe is an immense space with distances measured in light years. The more we learn about the universe beyond our solar system, the more we realize we do not know. Students are introduced to the basic known facts about the universe, and how engineers help us explore the many mysteries of space.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Denise W. Carlson
Jane Evenson
Jessica Butterfield
Jessica Todd
Malinda Schaefer Zarske
Sam Semakula
Date Added:
09/18/2014
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Blazing Gas
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Blazing Gas
Rating

Students are introduced to our Sun as they explore its composition, what is happening inside it, its relationship to our planet (our energy source), and the ways engineers help us learn about it.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Denise W. Carlson
Geoffrey Hill
Jessica Butterfield
Jessica Todd
Date Added:
09/18/2014
MoreLess
Blue Marble Floating in Empty Space
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Blue Marble Floating in Empty Space
Rating

Using photographs and models, students are taken on a virtual journey to outer space. They can look back at the Earth as they travel further away and see it growing increasingly smaller, giving the experience that we live on a tiny planet that floats in a vast and empty space.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Diagram/Illustration
Interactive
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Erik Arends
Date Added:
02/06/2015
MoreLess
Children's Planetary Maps: Mars
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Children's Planetary Maps: Mars
Rating

Using planetary maps, students will be able to read cartographic information and compare the environmental conditions of Mars to those Earth. They will understand the conditions needed for life to exist, and be able to explain why it cannot exist on Mars.

Subject:
Environmental Science
Astronomy
Geology
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Henrik Hargitai
Mátyás Gede
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Children's Planetary Maps: Pluto & Charon
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Children's Planetary Maps: Pluto & Charon
Rating

Using planetary maps, students will be able to read cartographic information and compare the environmental conditions of Pluto/Charon to those Earth. They will understand the conditions needed for life to exist, and be able to explain why it cannot exist on Pluto or Charon.

Subject:
Environmental Science
Astronomy
Geology
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Henrik Hargitai
Mátyás Gede
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Children's Planetary Maps: The Moon
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Children's Planetary Maps: The Moon
Rating

Using planetary maps, students will be able to read cartographic information and compare the environmental conditions of The Moon to those Earth. They will understand the conditions needed for life to exist, and be able to explain why it cannot exist on The Moon.

Subject:
Environmental Science
Astronomy
Geology
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Henrik Hargitai
Mátyás Gede
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Children's Planetary Maps: Titan
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Children's Planetary Maps: Titan
Rating

Using planetary maps, students will be able to read cartographic information and compare the environmental conditions of Titan to those Earth. They will understand the conditions needed for life to exist, and be able to explain why it cannot exist on Titan.

Subject:
Environmental Science
Astronomy
Geology
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Henrik Hargitai
Mátyás Gede
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Children's Planetary Maps: Venus
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Children's Planetary Maps: Venus
Rating

Using planetary maps, students will be able to read cartographic information and compare the environmental conditions of Venus to those Earth. They will understand the conditions needed for life to exist, and be able to explain why it cannot exist on Venus.

Subject:
Environmental Science
Astronomy
Geology
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Henrik Hargitai
Mátyás Gede
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Country Movers – Visualizing Spatial Scales in Planetary and Earth Sciences
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Country Movers – Visualizing Spatial Scales in Planetary and Earth Sciences
Rating

Students learn about local and planetary physical geography / geology, toponymy, planetary landing site selection and cartography. The students learn a complex process of landscape evaluation and city planning, based on the interpretation of photomaps or digital terrain models.

Subject:
Astronomy
Physical Geography
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Henrik Hargitai
Mátyás Gede
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Create Your Own Astro-Music
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Create Your Own Astro-Music
Rating

In this activity, students learn about astronomical phenomena we can see in the universe and create their own music inspired by astronomical images. By performing original musical improvisations, students enhance their knowledge of what astronomical phenomena are represented in images and experiment with creative ways of representing these using music. This activity engages students in first hand exploration of music and astronomy connections.

Subject:
Arts and Humanities
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Matthew Whitehouse
Date Added:
12/09/2016
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Creating Asteroids
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Creating Asteroids
Rating

In this activity, students familiarise themselves with asteroids. They discuss and build their own model asteroids. They learn how asteroids are formed in the Solar System. At the end of the activity, each student has their own model asteroid made from clay.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Angela Perez
Tibisay Sankatsing Nava
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Deadly Moons
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Deadly Moons
Rating

From Earth’s moon to Europa, our solar system is filled with interesting set of natural satellites. Through art and science, children learn about moons of our solar system with the Deadly Moons activity.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Deirdre Kelleghan
Date Added:
04/17/2014
MoreLess
Design Your Alien
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Design Your Alien
Rating

Review the environmental factors that make the Earth habitable and compare them to other worlds within our Solar System. Use creative thinking to design an alien life form suited for specific environmental conditions on an extra-terrestrial world within our Solar System.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Diagram/Illustration
Game
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Sarah Roberts
Date Added:
12/13/2013
MoreLess
Experimenting with Angular Diameter and Distance (Study of Outer Space)
Conditions of Use:
Remix and Share
Experimenting with Angular Diameter and Distance (Study of Outer Space)
Rating

This is an activity on apparent sizes and apparent angles, related to understanding how distance affects what we observe in outer space (the sun, moon, stars, or planets).

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Simulation
Provider:
Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
Provider Set:
Pedagogy in Action
Author:
Amy Fahey
Date Added:
08/16/2012
MoreLess
Glitter Your Milky Way
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Glitter Your Milky Way
Rating

Have you ever wondered where we are in our own galaxy, Milky Way? "Glitter Your Milky Way" let you get creative while learning the characteristics of the Milky Way and exploring the types of galaxies.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Diagram/Illustration
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Kathleen Horner, Astronomers Without Borders
Date Added:
01/30/2014
MoreLess
Globe at Night Activity Guide
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Globe at Night Activity Guide
Rating

Students participate in a global campaign to observe and record the faintest visible stars as a means of measuring light pollution in a given location. By locating and observing the constellation Orion in the night sky and comparing it to stellar charts, students from around the world will learn how the artificial lighting in their community contribute to light pollution. Student contributions to the online database will document the visible night time sky.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Amee Hennig
Date Added:
04/17/2014
MoreLess
How High is the Sky?
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
How High is the Sky?
Rating

This activity aims to teach students about the different layers of the atmosphere. It also aims to teach them which part of our atmosphere is considered outer space and what phenomena occur in each layer.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Interactive
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Rogel Mari Sese, Regulus Space Tech
Date Added:
01/30/2014
MoreLess
How Light Pollution Affects the Stars: Magnitude Readers
How Light Pollution Affects the Stars: Magnitude Readers
Rating

Light pollution affects the visibility of stars. Building a simple Magnitude Reader, students determine the magnitude of stars and learn about limiting magnitude.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Amee Hennig
Date Added:
04/04/2014
MoreLess
Impact Craters
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Impact Craters
Rating

The students will learn about recent meteor strikes and the effects they can have. They will then examine their significance in the history of the planet, and what they do to the surface of a planet when forming a crater. The students will then experimentally determine how the size and impact velocity of a meteorite determine the size of the crater.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Christian Eistrup
Ronan Smith
Date Added:
02/06/2018
MoreLess
Investigating Earth and Moon Surface: Impact Craters
Conditions of Use:
Remix and Share
Investigating Earth and Moon Surface: Impact Craters
Rating

In this activity students use a simple model of the moon to do an experiment to see how impact craters are formed. The lesson worksheets are differentiated and students are put into pre-determined teams by ability to conduct the experiment.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
Provider Set:
Pedagogy in Action
Author:
Corliss Thomas
Date Added:
08/16/2012
MoreLess
Investigating Ordering Planets: Math Connections and Number Sense in Science
Conditions of Use:
Remix and Share
Investigating Ordering Planets: Math Connections and Number Sense in Science
Rating

This set of activities is designed to help students develop an understanding of scale/distance and ordering the planets from the sun, understanding Earth's position in the solar system, and developing new ways of determining "order."

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
Provider Set:
Pedagogy in Action
Author:
Anne E. Flynn
Date Added:
08/16/2012
MoreLess
Investigating Rotation: Why Is There Day and Night?
Conditions of Use:
Remix and Share
Investigating Rotation: Why Is There Day and Night?
Rating

This is a classroom activity in which students will observe, question, and investigate the relationship between the sun and the earth and how that relationship causes day and night.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
Provider Set:
Pedagogy in Action
Author:
Sondra Tokarczyk
Date Added:
08/16/2012
MoreLess
Let's Break the Particles
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Let's Break the Particles
Rating

This is a hands-on activity to learn that energy can be transformed into various forms. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Moreover, this kinetic energy can be used (if more than the relative binding energy) to break atoms, particles and molecules to see “inside” and to study their constituents.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Sandro Bardelli, INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna; Amalia Persico, Sofos-Divulgazione delle Scienze
Date Added:
02/02/2016
MoreLess
Life in Space: The International Space Station
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Life in Space: The International Space Station
Rating

Students are introduced to the International Space Station (ISS) with information about its structure, operation and key experiments. The ISS itself is an experiment in international cooperation to explore the potential for humans to live in space. The space station features state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories to conduct research in medicine, materials and fundamental science to benefit people on Earth as well as people who will live in space in the future.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Denise W. Carlson
Geoffrey Hill
Jane Evenson
Jessica Butterfield
Jessica Todd
Malinda Schaefer Zarske
Date Added:
09/18/2014
MoreLess
Lunar Day
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Lunar Day
Rating

Two children act as the Moon and the Earth. By holding hands and spinning around they mimic the tidal locking of the Moon. They note that the Moon always keeps the same face towards Earth.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Sethanne Howard, US Naval Observatory
Date Added:
02/02/2016
MoreLess
Lunar Landscape
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Lunar Landscape
Rating

In this 30 to 45 minute activity, children (in teams of 4-5) experiment to create craters and learn about the landscape of the moon. The children make observations on how the size and mass, direction, and velocity of the projectile impacts the size and shape of the crater.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Jaya Ramchandani, UNAWE
Date Added:
01/30/2014
MoreLess
Lunar Learning
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Lunar Learning
Rating

Why does the Moon not always look the same to us? Sometimes it is a big, bright, circle, but, other times, it is only a tiny sliver, if we can see it at all. The different shapes and sizes of the slivers of the Moon are referred to as its phases, and they change periodically over the course of a lunar month, which is twenty-eight days long. The phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon at different times during the month.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Catie Liken
Teresa Tetlow
Date Added:
09/18/2014
MoreLess
Lunar Lollipops
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Lunar Lollipops
Rating

Students work in teams of two to discover the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and Moon that produce the different phases of the Moon. Groups are each given a Styrofoam ball that they attach to a pencil so that it looks like a lollipop. In this acting-out model exercise, this ball on a stick represents the Moon, the students represent the Earth and a hanging lightbulb serves as the Sun. Students move the "Moon" around them to discover the different phases. They fill in the position of the Moon and its corresponding phase in a worksheet.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Catie Liken
Teresa Tetlow
Date Added:
10/14/2015
MoreLess
Lunch in Outer Space!
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Lunch in Outer Space!
Rating

Students learn about the unique challenges astronauts face while eating in outer space. They explore different food choices and food packaging. Students learn about the engineering design process, and then, as NASA engineering teams, they design and build original model devices to help astronauts eat in a microgravity environment --- their own creative devices for food storage and meal preparation.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Abigail Watrous
Beth Myers
Denali Lander
Janet Yowell
Malinda Schaefer Zarske
Date Added:
10/14/2015
MoreLess
Mars and Jupiter
Conditions of Use:
Read the Fine Print
Mars and Jupiter
Rating

Students explore Mars and Jupiter, the fourth and fifth planets from the Sun. They learn some of the unique characteristics of these planets. They also learn how engineers help us learn about these planets with the design and development of telescopes, deep space antennas, spacecraft and planetary rovers.

Subject:
Engineering
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Author:
Denise W. Carlson
Geoffrey Hill
Jessica Butterfield
Jessica Todd
Malinda Schaefer Zarske
Date Added:
09/18/2014
MoreLess
Meet Our Home: Planet Earth
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Meet Our Home: Planet Earth
Rating

Converting a visual to a tactile experience, this activity lets visually impaired students learn about and explore some of the characteristics of our home planet, the Earth.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Lesson Plan
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Lina Canas, Nucleo Interativo de Astronomia
Date Added:
02/02/2016
MoreLess
Meet Our Neighbour: Sun
Conditions of Use:
No Strings Attached
Meet Our Neighbour: Sun
Rating

Converting the visual to tactile experience, this activity let visually impaired students to learn and explore about our star, Sun, and its main characteristics.

Subject:
Astronomy
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Diagram/Illustration
Provider:
International Astronomical Union
Provider Set:
astroEDU
Author:
Lina Canas, Nucleo Interativo de Astronomia
Date Added:
01/30/2014
MoreLess