Students balance circular and gravitational forces to create a model of an object in orbit.

In this lesson, students use their knowledge of moon phases to build a calendar they can use to find out when and where to see each phase of the Moon throughout the year. 2024 calendar now available!

Lead a discussion about asteroids and their physical properties, then have students mold their own asteroids out of clay.

Students explore different types of space missions and observation techniques that scientists use to study distant objects like asteroids.

Students learn how NASA decodes spacecraft data, then students decode their own data to reveal space images.

Students learn how waves are used in communication with spacecraft and practice communicating using a similar process.

Students learn about the role of dark energy and dark matter in the expansion of the universe, then make a model using balloons.

Students use simple materials to model a partial, annular, and total solar eclipse.

Students use art to describe and recognize the geology on planetary surfaces – now including Mars and asteroids.