Simulations of physical systems are widely available online, with no cost, and are ready to be used in our classrooms. Such simulations offer an accessible tool that can be used for a range of interactive learning activities. The Jovian Moons Apple allows the user to track the position of Jupiter's four Galilean moons with a variety of…

Spotting the Moon in the sky is like finding a treasure--unexpected and beautiful. When children look for the Moon in the sky, they don't know where to look. The Moon is far away and most easily observed at a time when most young children are sleeping. Because direct contact isn't possible, adults have to be creative in how they help children…

Humans have long wondered about life in the universe. Are we alone? Is Earth unique? What is it that makes our planet a habitable one, and are there others like Earth? NASA's Kepler Mission seeks the answers to these questions. Kepler is a space-based, specially designed 0.95 m aperture telescope. Launching in 2009, Kepler is NASA's first mission…

Proposes an activity whereby science students develop critical thinking skills. Students are to debate the belief that the earth is flat. Guidelines are provided. (MA)

Presents an activity whereby students describe the path of Mars through a background starfield. Includes purpose, materials, pre-lab, and procedure. Also provides guidelines for making a dial-a-planet wheel. (MA)

Describes the construction and use of a star projector built from an overhead projector and high-impact polystyrene plastic. Includes patterns for the star charts and the projector frame. (MA)

Presents two exercises in astronomy: (1) the production of star trails and (2) the measurement of the distance between stars and their apparent movement in the sky. Includes directions, illustrations, and activity questions. (MA)

Presents activities for observing, measuring, collecting, and graphing data about times of sunrise and sunset to teach an understanding about arrival of Daylight Savings Time in April. Also discusses seasonal affective disorder (SAD). (TM)

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education uses space exploration as a theme to create a positive learning experience that raises students' expectations of success; fosters in them a long-term interest in math, science, and technology; and motivates them to pursue studies in these areas. This document is a feasibility report for…

Describes a sundial contest used to generate interest and enthusiasm in astronomy class. Presents diagrams of three basic types of sundials, a sundial time correction form, and guidelines for a successful contest. (MA)

Presents a simple, graphical method for tracking the apparent motion of the Moon through a seven-day phase. Describes the necessary equipment, and the daily procedure for making observations. Includes suggested open-ended questions along with an appropriate reference. (JJK)

This document consists of a series of astronomy activities for intermediate grade students. It contains three major teaching sections. Teacher Section I deals with stars, constellations, and galaxies and presents a series of demonstrations, discussion topics, readings, and hands-on-activities. Teachers Section II is concerned with a planetarium…

Discusses and explains early people's fears and explanations of eclipses. Describes the lunar eclipse scheduled for November 28-29. (PR)

Aspects of impact crater morphology can be studied using a simple, easily constructed, and inexpensive apparatus. A sandbox is constructed and an iron ball dropped from an electromagnet from a height of at least 2 meters. Students can measure crater diameter, crater depth, and projectile penetration depth to investigate how each relates to impact…

This curriculum guide uses hands-on activities to help grade 5-8 students and teachers understand the significance of space-based astronomy--astronomical observations made from outside the Earth's atmosphere. The guide begins with a survey of astronomy-related spacecraft that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has sent into…