Throughout the past year, the Education World Millennium Series has introduced teachers to the individuals and events that shaped our world. This month, as the first full-time crew of the International Space Station begins work, we offer lessons about the explorers and explorations shaping the future.

In this exciting age, when men and women develop and use new technologies to explore the outer reaches of the universe, you might want to begin your lessons by helping your students explore the world of technology that's at their fingertips. Invite them to join Jane as she learns to use browser tools while enjoying a variety of Web Activities Using Scientific Data. Don't miss activity 3 on the space shuttle!

Then launch students into orbit with this week's Education World activities on the wonders and mystery of space. A brief description of each activity appears below. Click any headline for a complete teaching resource!

A Space Shuttle Scavenger Hunt
Students explore print and online resources about the space shuttle program and complete a space shuttle scavenger hunt. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)

Name the International Space Station
Students explore the International Space Station and choose a name for the facility. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)

It's a Comet!
Students learn about comets and combine a variety of virtual substances to create comets. (Grades 6-8)

The Top Ten Reasons for Going Into Space
Students read ten reasons for exploring space and attempt to prove or disprove their validity. (Grades 6-8, 9-12)

What in the Solar System Is a Planetary Icosahedron?
Students learn about the solar system and create an icosahedron representing a body in the solar system. (Grades 9-12)

Who Led the Way?
Students write biographies of important pioneers in the space program. (Grades 6-8, 9-12)

Beam Me Down, Scotty!
Students read about the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and stage a debate about the existence of life on other planets. (Grades 9-12)

Create a Galactic Mobile
Students learn about the Milky Way galaxy and create a mobile. (Grades 2-4, 3-5)

So You Want to Be an Astronaut?
Students explore resources on how to become an astronaut, write job descriptions for three categories of astronauts, and compose ads for astronaut positions. (Grades 6-8, 9-12)

Find Echo!
Students learn about the migration patterns of big brown bats. Students use satellite imaging to track a bat's movements through Arizona and record the locations on a map. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Virtual Solar System National Geographic provides a fascinating 3-D look at the solar system and each of the planets. The site requires a plug-in, and downloading textural files takes additional time, but the graphics and information at the site make the wait worthwhile!
• Space Educators' Handbook This handbook offers a one-stop source for all of NASA's educational resources, including lessons, activities, teachers' guides, a historical calendar, and astronaut biographies.
• Space Calendar The Space Calendar provides information about space-related activities and anniversaries for the coming year.
• Shuttle Countdown Online At this site, NASA provides information about space shuttle launches.
• J-Track Satellite Tracking Track a variety of orbiting objects, including Mir, a space shuttle, the space station, NOAA satellites, and search and rescue satellites.
• Ask the Space Scientist NASA scientist Sven Odenwald answers questions about astronomy and space.
• What's Your Space IQ? Space.com offers a weekly interactive space quiz.
• Washed in Space Oxbrain.com provides this interactive crossword puzzle on space.
• Crossword Puzzles Test students' knowledge about space with this interactive activity from the NASA Observatorium.
• Space Trivia Quizzes Test students' knowledge of space with this interactive activity from the NASA Observatorium.

Related Articles from Education World

• NASA Spacelink Gets a New Look

Please check out our featured theme this week:

• Space: The Final Frontier
• Great Sites For Teaching About ... Space

Article by Linda Starr
Education World®
Copyright © 2000 Education World

11/27/2000