Objects in the Sky
To observe and describe what the sky looks like at different times; to identify objects in the sky and recognize changes over time; to look for objects that are common to the daytime and nighttime sky.

The Moon
Students will identify objects in the sky and recognize changes in their appearance.

Planets of Our Solar System
A science lesson introducing the nine planets in our solar system (planet sizes, order, key characteristics).

Lunar Cycle
The activities in this lesson involve both individual and class work to facilitate students' learning about the predictability of the moon's phases.

Sky Paths: Studying the Movement of Celestial Objects
By using these activities, K-4 students will have the concrete experiences of observing, organizing, comparing, and describing the movement of objects that they observe in the sky.

Stars and Constellations
This lesson introduces students to stars and constellations. Students will create their own constellations using glow in the dark stickers and black poster board.

Magic School Bus Lost In Space
This lesson will help the students know exactly where each planet goes and what it is like on that planet.  The students will read about it, create it, and watch a movie about it.

Birthday Moons
Students become familiar with lunar phases by locating and then graphing the Moon phase of their own birthdays. After listening and discussing lunar myths and legends they create their own Birthday Moon Stories.

Edible Solar Systems
Using different sized candies, this activity will allow students to model the order of the planets in the solar system.
 

The Ten Best of the Nine Planets Pictures and facts of the nine planets

Blast Off on a Trip into Our Solar System Pictures and facts about the nine planets

Stargazers Match pictures to their constellations

The Gravity of the Situation Interactive game which students determine weight of objects on various planets

The Moon's Phases Resources and links

Phases of the Moon Online game

The Moon’s Orbit and Rotation Resources and links

An Educator’s Guide to Moon Phases Students will construct models to replicate the phases of the moon.

NASA for Kids This website has games, activities, art, and stories about space.

Astronomy for Kids This website has interactive activities and songs about space.

Suggestions for English Language Learners (ELLs):
(E/B=Entering/Beginning, D=Developing, E=Expanding) 

E/B: Students will make a model of the solar system and then label or dictate a simple sentence to attach to each planet; D: ...and will write several descriptive sentences about each planet; E: ...and will write a short paragraph about each planet.
E/B: Students use a ball, globe and light source to explain the phases of the moon. Students demonstrate knowledge using simple language and answering yes/no questions; D: Students will demonstrate knowledge using descriptive language and answering simple questions; E: ...and will demonstrate knowledge using more complex and detailed language and answering more complex questions.
E/B: Students will use photos from NASA to make drawings of 5 different components of the solar system. They will label each drawing and write a simple sentence about the picture; D: ...and will write several descriptive sentences about each picture; E: ...and will write a short paragraph about each picture.

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