Eighth Grade, Astronomy Projects, Lessons, Activities (37 results)

Similar Triangles: Using Parallax to Measure Distance

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Want to stretch your imagination? One good way is to try to imagine how far it is to a distant star. How much farther away is it than the moon is from the earth? How much farther away than the earth is from the sun? How long would it take to get there? In this project, you'll learn one way of measuring the distance without leaving Earth. Read more

Stargazing for Satellites

STEM Activity

4 reviews

Throughout history, people have always been captivated by celestial objects like stars, planets, and the Moon. Now, man-made satellites have entered the picture. Did you know you can see many satellites with the naked eye? Try this activity and find out for yourself! You will even learn how to classify them! Read more

Using the Solar & Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO) to Determine the Rotation of the Sun

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Here's a cool project that shows you how to use images from an orbiting observatory to measure how fast the Sun rotates. Read more

A Roundabout Way to Mars

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

1 review

Students explore orbit transfers and, specifically, Hohmann transfers. They investigate the orbits of Earth and Mars by using cardboard and string. Students learn about the planets' orbits around the sun, and about a transfer orbit from one planet to the other. After the activity, students will know exactly what is meant by a delta-v maneuver!Engineering Connection Aerospace engineers must be creative when planning the best routes and methods to send a spacecraft from Earth… Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

MS-ESS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.

Kinesthetic Astronomy: Birthday Stars

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-8th

1 review

"Star" © 2014 Tom Hall Constellations have been used for centuries for navigation and time keeping. In this interactive lesson, students will learn the difference between their sun sign and their birthday stars. Read more

Kinesthetic Astronomy: Moon Phases

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-8th

1 review

"Full Moon 2010" © Gregory H. Revera You'll be surprised at how many misconceptions you can debunk by modeling the phases of the moon with a light and a styrofoam ball! Read more

Kinesthetic Astronomy: The Meaning of a Year

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-8th

2 reviews