Motivational hands-on workshops for grade-school level future scientists are needed to inspire young and receptive minds. Described here is an educational event, titled "Inspiring Future Rocket Chemists", with hands-on laboratory exercises demonstrating the fundamentals of rocket flight and live chemistry demonstrations illustrating the…

We describe the rationale and process for the development of a new hybrid Earth and Space Science course for elementary education majors. A five-step course design model, applicable to both online and traditional courses, is presented. Assessment of the course outcomes after two semesters indicates that the intensive time invested in the…

The objective of this board game is for players to travel to all the planets with the winner being the first to return to Earth. Students are required to use their knowledge of the planets for the game. (JRH)

This Solar System Puzzle Kit for grades 5-8, allows students to create an eight-cube paper puzzle of the solar system and may be duplicated for classroom use or used as a take home activity for children and parents. By assembling the puzzle, hand-coloring the bodies of the solar system, and viewing the puzzle's 12 sides, students can reinforce…

This document presents a resource for elementary teachers in the form of a collection of facts and measurements of animals and planets to be used in generating student interest for these different topics. It is suggested that the teacher make an overhead transparency of the measurements related to the current topic, then have students guess at…

Describes the programs in astronomy at the Gothard Astrophysical Observatory in close association with the Physics Department of the Teacher Training College, the main goals of which are the scholarly pursuit of research and training of creative and productive teachers for Hungarian Primary Schools. (JRH)

Mars has been a popular image with students, particularly because of the idea of Martians. This document presents lesson ideas and provides support for teachers on information concerning Mars. (YDS)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Lunar Sample Educational Disk Program is a national effort to stimulate interest in the moon and provide students with opportunities to study moon samples directly. Activities with the rocks at one school and information on bringing lunar samples to other schools are provided. (JN)

An argument is made for the inclusion of astronomy in the elementary curriculum. Suggestions are made for incorporating astronomy into the curriculum and for training teachers. (MP)

Presents activities in which students play the role of cadets performing missions for the fictitious SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Academy. Guides students toward an understanding of evolutionary forces and how they are affected by the physical environment. (JRH)

Describes interesting problems encountered when building a model of the solar system in an elementary classroom. Uses mathematics and technology to help solve problems and answer questions. Finds that investigating misconceptions can lead to exciting science lessons. (NB)

Investigates what questions elementary students would ask when presented with various situations relating to the natural environment. Findings reveal the extraordinary range of questions that elementary students have concerning the solar system and space. (JRH)

This book contains 12 simple experiments through which students can learn about gravity and its implications. Some of the topics included are weight, weightlessness, artificial gravity, the pull of gravity on different shapes, center of gravity, the universal law of gravity, and balancing. Experiments include: finding the balancing point; weighing…

Presents a bibliography of books for upper elementary students. The books deal with aspects of space in the seventies, changing concepts of the universe, and how today's science and technology are trying to answer the questions these concepts raise. (Author/GA)

The tree house detectives go galactic with their latest project by traveling to Mars and also seeing how the Moon affects the Earth. They visit the largest radio telescope in the world and help look for intelligent life in the universe. The tree house detectives prepare for an out-of-this-world vacation as they explore the future of space travel.…