Students learn about vectors. There are a series of practice problems at the end of the lesson.
Students are introduced to planetary research in order to increase their ability to recognize the planets and their surface features.
Students view images of the solar system (planets and moons) and record observations. They will also generate a list of questions they would like to find information about and conduct research to gather answers. Findings can be submitted in written form or presented orally to the class.
Students use on-line earthquake hazard maps and other relevant geological information to assess hazards to life and property associated with hypothetical earthquakes of various magnitudes. Then, working collaboratively, they will use this information to develop strategies that might be used to reduce damage and loss of life in their local area.
Students will observe examples of galaxies that have different shapes and how they are classified according to the Hubble classification descriptors.
In this lesson, students are introduced to the properties of electromagnetic radiation. Students create a “Quipo,†a method used by the ancient Incas. Students are also encouraged to use an electronic bulletin board to communicate with each other, post insights, ideas, evidence, and questions on electromagnetic radiation. As part of this activity, students will conduct a mock trial placing the different types of electromagnetic radiation on trial.
Students learn about the generation of magenetic fields from currents in wires and they will learn how to measure the magnetic field directions. Students will use magnetic compasses to explore magnetic fields in their environment where they will discover that electronic equipment also produces magnetic fields.
Students learn about gamma rays and complete several activities involving gamma radiation.
Students compare and contrast three NASA satellites. Other satellite information is included, but the project's main focus is a simple introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum as used by the three space observatories.
Students experiment with one method of detecting infrared radiation.
Students will conduct six different investigations in order to carry out an analysis of Martian weather, seasons, and speculations about life on Mars. After their research students will present their findings.
In this lesson, students conduct guided web research through many sites on solar astronomy to try to determine the temperature of the Sun. They will also explore how astronomers use H-R diagrams to classify stars by temperature and luminosity.
Students use an Earth image database (Space Shuttle images) to find places on Earth where there is ice and snow.
In this lesson, students investigate satellite missions operating in four electromagnetic bands using the Internet and hands-on activities.
The purpose of this lesson plan is to expose students to the breadth and depth of the Internet while they search for data pertaining to the world's volcanic and seismic activity. They then compile the data on a world map and make scientific inferences on the location of plate boundaries. Further investigation involves upper level students in the identification of boundary interaction. The lesson can be extended to include a comparison of stationary volcanic activity on Mars to that of dynamic volcanic activity of the Pacific Plate on Earth.
Students learn about the history and development of Earth sensing, describe Landsat and its role in modern Earth imaging, and then use knowledge of Landsat's capabilities to make reasoned inferences about the geographic locations shown in Landsat images.
Students learn about x-rays and complete an activity to simulate the effects of x-rays.