Earth/Environmental Science

The problem with parallax

Students will increase their understanding of astronomical measurements by using parallax to measure distances on their school campus. They will also gain an appreciation of the difficulties with such measurements by statistically analyzing the class' results.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.

History of astronomy scavenger hunt

A unit on astronomy inevitably and rightfully begins with a look at the history of astronomy. This activity provides students with an opportunity to learn the basic facts of the history of astronomy by using the internet.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.

Resources on the web

Tracking the movement of sunspots

This activity from Science NetLinks is part of a three-part series of lessons aimed at showing students how our knowledge of the universe must be inferred through the use of scientific tools. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

The technology of Mars exploration

This lesson asks students to research the types of technology that are used to map and explore Mars. Students will imagine that they are working as “technology experts” for NASA, and will create visual presentations to show the American public... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Seasons: Why it's essential

In this lesson, students review the basics of the seasons and design their own monuments to keep track of and commemorate the seasons. In the process, students review their understanding of the science behind the seasons and learn some theories about monuments... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

An introduction to remote sensing

This lesson combines several resources from NASA's Observatorium to teach about remote sensing. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Designing a space station

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students assess and evaluate a winning design plan that was submitted by students to NASA as part of the Space Settlement Design Contest. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Black holes

This Science NetLinks lesson introduces students to the science of black holes. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science