Teacher resources & Lesson Ideas

To support your astronomy curriculum, check out the following Websites for science project ideas, lesson plans, and more. Note, while Spaced Out: A Cosmic Scene provides links to these web-based resources that we feel are appropriate, we cannot guarantee that all the content presented in these web resources is scientifically accurate. As an educator it is your responsibility to verify the accuracy of all resources used with your students.

Earth’s three motions – This is a good site for information on detecting motion of earth by observing the effects of the motion, even though we do not feel the movement.
http://www.eso.org/public/outreach/eduoff/aol/market/experiments/advanced/skills304.html

Motion of the Earth and its effect:
http://www.phy.olemiss.edu/~luca/astr/Topics-Introduction/Time-N.html

Teacher script material - Background information and ideas about motion in our solar system
http://www.johnpratt.com/items/astronomy/notes/notes01.html

Eye on the Sky website - Motion of the Sun and Earth: Using a Playground Model to Explore Rotation and Revolution (viewed from above)
Although the lessons on the site are for grades 1-3 the idea of using playground equipment to model motions might be useful.
http://www.eyeonthesky.org/lessonplans/06sun_motionplayground.html 

Great background information about the “motion” of the stars and sun from the perspective of earth.
http://www.astronomynotes.com/nakedeye/s5.htm

Site has some animations and provides ideas on how to student the night sky.
Astronomy Without a Telescope. Here they discuss the celestial sphere, motions of the Sun (solar and sidereal days, time zones, equation of time, and seasons), motions of the Moon (phases and eclipses), and planetary motions.

Astronomers use astrolabe and device similar to sundial to monitor motion of moon and sun. Making a simple astrolabe
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/AtHomeAstronomy/activity_07.html
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/AtHomeAstronomy/activity_08.html

Using sundial to monitor motion
http://www.nmm.ac.uk/gcse-astronomy/planet-earth/shadows-and-sundials/

What causes the seasons - Seasons tutorial with animation
http://daphne.palomar.edu/jthorngren/tutorial.htm

Private Universe - Great resource.
Harvard study on what people think causes the seasons. Can be downloaded from web in video format.
http://msteacher.org/epubs/science/science7/misconceptions.aspx

Understanding Seasonal Change, Polar Extremes in Seasons, and the Aurora: Content Knowledge for Teachers with clips for A Private Universe. Great resource with lesson ideas and teacher background information.
http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/issue/column.php?date=May2008&departmentid=professional&columnid=professional!science

Astronomy Resources

Website for detecting planets – http://www.astronomynotes.com/solfluf/s12.htm

GLOBE at Night – http://www.globe.gov/GaN/
Find easy-to-follow instructions for participating in this project at this site, where students can also record their observations of the night sky. Prior to the star-hunting event, students can log on to learn about Orion's role in Greek mythology, star magnitude, and other topics.

International Year of Astronomy 2009 – http://www.globe.gov/GaN/
A list of global projects designed to promote awareness of astronomy and dark skies. Some activities are too advanced for elementary school students.

The GLOBE Program – http://www.globe.gov/r
Abundant resources for integrating related lessons about such topics as atmosphere and climate, clouds, and hydrology.

400 Years of the Telescope – http://www.400years.org/
Information about a new documentary that follows astronomical discoveries starting from Galileo's first peek through the telescope. The site offers a viewing schedule and "Profiles in Astronomy" that may serve as excellent bases for history lessons.

Hands-On Optics – http://www.hands-on-optics.org/home/
Six modules for teaching about optics. Lessons range from studies of lasers to magnification and communicating with light.

The International Dark-Sky Association – viewing the night sky and the importance of darkness for biological growth. Lessons on the solar system and the effects of light pollution on wildlife, as well as science, writing, and art projects for students ages 7-12. http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do

This site even offers suggestions for a ‘Star Party’ with your students http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=56428&orgId=idsa

National Optical Astronomy Observatory http://www.noao.edu/ with a link to educational applications http://www.noao.edu/education/
NOAO is engaged in programs to develop the next generation of telescopes, instruments, and software tools necessary to enable exploration and investigation through the observable Universe, from planets orbiting other stars to the most distant galaxies in the Universe.

Sun As a Star: Science Learning Activities for Afterschool - The Sun As a Star activities teach concepts related to the sun with opportunities for the students to investigate each idea. Most of the nine sequential activities can be completed in about one hour.

Here you can download a 37-page teacher resource guide, which suggests 9 activities you can do with your students, many of these activities support information presented in Spaced Out: A Cosmic Scene episodes.