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.

Ask an Astrophysicist -
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/ask_an_astronomer.html

A 19-page PDF document explaining how “we are made of stardust” (for teacher back ground information).
http://www.thegreatstory.org/Stardustbackground.pdf

NASA and Stardust - astrobiology
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/research/2006/stardust_astrobio.html

Image of the Universe – NASA has a Powerpoint presentation on life cycle of star (section on periodic table), teacher resource downloadable lessons
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/teachers/lifecycles/stars.html

The Periodic Table: Forged from Stars – this article is quite scientific
http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/category/subjects/periodictable

Teachers’ Domain - home page: http://www.teachersdomain.org/
Site contains many resources related to the Universe and other science topics. We suggest going to the specific link http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.matter.origin/ to learn about how stars create the elements. There is a video segment adapted from NOVA which features scientists studying light emissions from exploding stars, called supernovas. Their observations and analyses can tell us the origin of the elements found on Earth and throughout the universe. The site provides essay, state standards addressed and questions for discussion. You must register to use this site but registration is free and easy (takes about three minutes of your time).

Easy to read article by Monica Bobra on how the stars are producers of the elements -
http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/cms/?pid=1000172

Is it true that we’re made up of stardust? One page article.
http://www.research.utoronto.ca/videos/is-it-true-that-we%e2%80%99re-made-up-of-star-dust/

Periodic Bingo Lesson with Description of Each Element -
ftp://ftp.alsde.edu/documents/54/C_PTable.rtf

Site with many links to periodic table activities, labs, etc. (link to elements in comics) - http://www.uky.edu/Projects/Chemcomics/ http://www.nclark.net/PeriodicTable

Astronomy Resources:

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.