Browse lesson plans

The Earth rotates through days

The students will be a part of a model showing how the Earth's rotation creates what we see as a sunrise and sunset every twenty-four hours.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Science)

By Christine Shatto.

Getting an angle on light

Students will discover that the angle of the sun can mark time and is responsible for the color we see in the sky. Students will also understand that light can be reflected and refracted.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics and Science)

By Janet Jones.

Phases of the moon

Young children may have the idea that the moon actually changes shape. This lesson explains that this apparent change is a result of the moon's revolution around the earth.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Science)

By Jacquelyn Arthur.

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 7 and 9–12 Mathematics and Science)

By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.

Time - Light and shadow (pre-visit)

Students examine the interplay of the earth and the sun by studying shadows. Students construct a sun clock and record shadows several times during a school day in order to use the earth and the sun to measure time.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics and Science)

By Denise Young.

Resources on the web

American Field Guide

A collection of online videos that explore many aspects of America's wilderness from animals to earth and space to public policy. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: PBS

ASPIRE: Astrophysics Science Project Integrating Research and Education

Interactive science labs and lessons for teachers and students. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: University of Utah

The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

A New Jersey-based organization whose mission is to provide "real world" resources for classroom education in engineering and science. Professional Development opportunities in New Jersey available. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Stevens Institute of Technology

Curriki

Curriki is a educational wiki that provides high quality resources from its members. Browse by subject or by newly published content. Search by grade level or by topic. New resources are added daily. You an even download the resources you want... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Franklin Institute Science Museum

For over 176 years, The Franklin Institute has been as much a part of the Philadelphia landscape as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. This is the on-line version of the museum. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: The Franklin Institute Science Museum

NASA's Solar System Exploration

Sponsored by NASA, this site contains abundant resources about the solar system. Teachers resources and student activities are included with the content. QuickTime, MPEG or RealVideo is needed for the video selections. User friendly and easy to navigate. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: NASA

NASA's Space Place

Sponsored by NASA, this clever website features information about earth, space and technology through games, activities, and animation. The friendly, attractive interface will easily engage elementary and middle school children in the fantastic world of science.... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: NASA

NOAA Education Resources

Gateways for teachers, K-5 students and 6-12 students, to materials designed especially for them about weather, climate change, oceans and coasts, and satellites and space. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: NOAA

TryScience

TryScience.org is a gateway to experience the excitement of contemporary science and technology through online and offline interactivity with science and technology centers worldwide. TryScience and over 400 science centers worldwide invite you to investigate,... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: TryScience

Virtual Museum Canada

Stories, artifacts and treasures that define Canada over the centuries presented in rich, interactive, multimedia virtual exhibits with an image gallery, a teachers' center, and a section of games. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Virtual Museum Canada