Search form

Space: The Final Frontier

This is an exciting age, when men and women develop and use new technologies to explore the outer reaches of the universe.

Launch students into orbit with 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 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.
  • 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.

Related Articles from Education World

Please check out our featured theme this week:

Article by Linda Starr
Education World®
Copyright © Education World

Updated 4/12/2012