Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 28
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-526.gif?itok=-Fkkxo4t)
Where is the Sun?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners verify that the Sun appears in a different location at a specific time every day of the year with one exception: on the Equinoxes.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-256.png?itok=4lX93VP8)
The Geophysical Light/Dark Cycle
Source Institutions
This is an activity (located on page 131 of the PDF) related to sleep and circadian rhythms as well as space travel.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-370.jpg?itok=PJQsDOP7)
Dry Ice Comet
Source Institutions
In this activity, dry ice and other items are used to construct a demonstration model of a comet that illustrates the comet nucleus, coma, and tails.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-309.png?itok=D_PuXsQ9)
The Four Seasons
Source Institutions
In this lesson that includes hands-on activities and demonstrations, learners discover that it is the tilt of the Earth's axis (not its proximity to the sun) that causes the seasons.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-748.jpg?itok=uHytj0R_)
Exploring the Universe: Pack a Space Telescope
Source Institutions
Space telescopes can offer us better, clearer views of the universe (and of our own planet) than Earth-based telescopes can, but getting these large, delicate pieces of equipment into orbit is tricky.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-037.gif?itok=N7tjRZl6)
Build a Solar System
Source Institutions
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
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-668.jpg?itok=TMSpqzJz)
Sky Time: Kinesthetic Astronomy
Source Institutions
Through a series of simple body movements, learners gain insight into the relationship between time and astronomical motions of Earth (rotation about its axis, and orbit around the Sun), and also abou
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-231.png?itok=VVna7t5x)
My Solar System
Source Institutions
In this online activity, learners build their own system of heavenly bodies and watch the gravitational ballet.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-463.png?itok=fcIQUMfc)
Morning Star and Evening Star
Source Institutions
This demonstration activity models how Venus appears from Earth.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-462.png?itok=qTR9s83z)
Human-powered Orrery
Source Institutions
In this space science activity, learners work together to create a human-powered orrery to model the movements of the four inner planets.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-795.jpg?itok=MVgGiqNI)
Exploring the Solar System: Asteroid Mining
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will imagine the challenges and opportunities of asteroid mining.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-461.jpg?itok=eONBaDnz)
Transit Tracks
Source Institutions
In this space science activity, learners explore transits and the conditions when a transit may be seen.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-460.jpg?itok=TIUyWvZh)
LEGO Orrery
Source Institutions
Use this model to demonstrate the goal of NASA's Kepler Mission: to find extrasolar planets through the transit method.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-408.png?itok=dd_A7Gmi)
Why Does the Moon Have Phases?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use a simple 3D model to discover why the Moon has phases.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-731.jpg?itok=0o9v0Q4O)
Exploring the Solar System: Big Sun, Small Moon
Source Institutions
“Exploring the Solar System: Big Sun, Small Moon” is a hands-on activity that explores the concept of apparent size and allows visitors to experience this phenomena using familiar objects—a tennis bal
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-798.png?itok=IKCcV01K)
Cook Up a Comet
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 5 of PDF), learners use dry ice and household materials to make scientifically accurate models of comets.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-277.jpg?itok=QWnmRd6X)
Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge Activities
Source Institutions
This lesson plan provides learners with two activities to explore the connections between events in their lives and the seasons of the year.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-467.gif?itok=xyFPQWw2)
Getting There!: Navigation and Trajectory
Source Institutions
In this two-part activity, learners map a navigation plan to get from Earth to Mars and back. In activity one, learners represent the orbital paths of Earth through dance and dramatic movement.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-577.png?itok=ptETfKBd)
Modeling the Night Sky
Source Institutions
In this two-part activity, learners explore the Earth and Sun's positions in relation to the constellations of the ecliptic with a small model.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-737.jpg?itok=p45IGehO)
Exploring the Universe: Objects in Motion
Source Institutions
"Exploring the Universe: Objects in Motion" encourages participants to explore the complex but predictable ways objects in the universe interact with each other.