Search Results

In this optics activity, learners make a lens and explore how the eye manipulates the light that enters it.

In this activity, learners explore why the sky is blue. Learners model the scattering of light by the atmosphere, which creates the blue sky and red sunset, using a flashlight and clear glue sticks.

This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity illustrates the path of light as it reflects off of mirrors and how this is used in telescopes.

In this two-part activity about luminescence, learners explore the chemistry that happens inside glow sticks and other light producing reactions.

In this space science activity, learners explore transits and the conditions when a transit may be seen.

In this activity, learners observe colors in the flame of a burning candle to explore connections between matter, light, color and temperature -- basic concepts of matter and energy.

Learners use simple materials to construct a model the Big Dipper. Learners hang the model from a doorway or ceiling and look up at it to see the constellation as seen from Earth.

Working in groups, learners model the continuous destruction and creation of ozone (O3) molecules, which occur in the ozone layer.

In "Exploring the Universe: Exoplanet Transits," participants simulate one of the methods scientists use to discover planets orbiting distant stars.

In this activity, learners make a scale model of the Solar System and learn the real definition of "space." Learners use the online calculator to create an appropriate scale to use as a basis for thei

Use this model to demonstrate the goal of NASA's Kepler Mission: to find extrasolar planets through the transit method.

Learners follow directions to construct a water-powered electrical generator using a turbine made from plastic spoons.

Discover how a refracting telescope works by making one from scratch using common items. This telescope won't have a tube so the learner can see how an image is formed inside the telescope.

In this activity, young learners explore the basic shapes of constellations by making their own scope out of a cardboard tube and paper with pinpricks.

In this activity, learners cut out and fold their own collapsible origami starshade, an invention that shields a telescope's camera lens from the light of a distant star so that NASA scientists can ex

In this fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity, learners construct a model of our place in the Milky Way Galaxy and the distribution of stars, with a quarter and some birdseed.

In this activity (page 2 of PDF), learners play with a lens and a piece of paper to focus an image on the paper. Learners look at different things, and see how the lenses affect the image.

This is a classic exercise for visualizing the scale of the Solar System.

This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners make 3-dimensional models of the Earth and Moon.

This fun activity uses simple materials such as milk cartons and mirrors to introduce the ideas of optics and visual perception.