Astronomy Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 6)

Space Elevator Problem Set

STEM Activity

1

2

3

4

5

9 reviews

Space elevators zipping people and materials up into space might seem like a very futuristic and improbable idea, but is it that difficult? This activity will guide you through the mathematics. Try it out and see what is possible with materials that can be produced with current technology. 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

Why Does the Moon Appear Larger at Some Times?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Some claim the Moon appears larger when near the horizon. Make a series of observations of the Moon, measuring the Moon's angular diameter each time. You should also note the Moon's altitude above the horizon, and the Moon's phase. You should do background research on the lunar orbit to determine the necessary time period. Do you find predictable variations in the Moon's diameter? Can you relate this to the Moon's changing distance from Earth? From your data, try to determine when apogee and… Read more

How Much Mass Is Needed to Make a Body Round?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Use your Internet sleuthing skills to learn about solar system objects. Create a table of measurements of moons and asteroids in order to determine if there is a size threshold for roundness. A good source of information would be an online guide such as The Nine Planets (Arnett, W.A., 2006). You'll find information about planetary satellites, including dimensions and accompanying pictures. From the pictures, classify the satellites and asteroids according to how round they are. Can you think of… Read more

Kinesthetic Astronomy: Earth's Rotation

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-8th

1

2

3

4

5

2 reviews

"Blue Marble" © 2002 NASA Earth Observatory Many of the misconceptions about our solar system are rooted in the fact that it is large and hard to comprehend. This kinesthetic activity will demonstrate concepts like rotation and orbit, clarify movement and direction, and help students understand why earthlings see different things in the sky. Read more

Kinesthetic Astronomy: Longer Days, Shorter Nights

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-8th

"Diagram of the Earth's seasons as seen from the south" © 2006 Tau'olunga This kinesthetic activity demonstrates to students that the Earth's tilt is what is responsible for shifting light patterns and the change in seasons. Read more

Kinesthetic Astronomy: The Meaning of a Year

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-8th

1

2

3

4

5

2 reviews

Lunar Crater Counting

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Get good photographs of the Moon showing lots of craters and count how many craters you find in a range of diameter classes. One useful source is the Consolidated Lunar Atlas (Kuiper et al, 2006). Make a histogram that shows the distribution of diameters. Most of these craters were formed during the first billion years of the Moon's formation, but you should confirm that this is true for the the Moon areas you've selected in your photographs by doing background research. Is cratering uniform… Read more

Measure the Earth’s Circumference with a Shadow

STEM Activity

1

2

3

4

5

14 reviews

How long of a tape measure would you need to measure the circumference of the Earth? Would you need to walk the whole way around the Earth to measure it? Do you think you can do it with just a meter stick in one location? Try this project to find out! Important: this project will only work within about 2 weeks of the spring or fall equinox (usually about March 20th and September 23rd). Read more

Stargazing for Satellites

STEM Activity

1

2

3

4

5

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

Astronomy Projects, Lessons, Activities (65 results)

Explore Our Science Videos