Astronomy
This topic is broken into units to help in formulating cohesive, effective lessons. Clicking on each unit title below will display appropriate activities, lesson plans, or labs.
Unit materials are a subset of all possible materials available for this topic, selected especially with the new physics teacher in mind. You may instead browse all materials for this topic here .
Conceptual Physics Astronomy Units
Astronomy (literally, "law of the stars") is the science of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere, such as stars, planets, comets, galaxies, and cosmic background radiation. It describes the physical and chemical properties of celestial objects with calculations of their motions. Astronomical observations provide essential information for the verification of fundamental theories in physics and to explain astronomical phenomena.
Lesson Plans:
Impressive set of modules on astronomy appropriate for the advanced high school level. Interactive web-based concept questions promote active group discussion. Each topic is accompanied by animations and/or simulations. This is a work in progress at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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Ten standards-aligned lesson plans developed for grades 7-12 on space science and the evolution of the universe. Topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, satellite image data analysis, the origin of the elements, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts. Look for the printable student guides.
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Activities:
In this activity students will explore orbital shapes and properties.
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A terrific interactive tutorial on the evolution of stars. It integrates activities, graphs, quizzes, and animations to trace a star's life from protostar stage through "old age" and death.
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References and Collections:
A set of images of all the planets with accompanying video, statistics, and NASA exploration information. Appropriate for high school and middle school.
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Easy-to-navigate reference material that explains how astronomers use spectra to understand star composition, structure, and evolution. Contains multiple drawings and photos.
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A well-constructed guide to non-technical books, articles, and web sites about black holes. Don't miss the sections on the large black hole at the center of the Milky Way and links to animations that model the black hole phenomenon. All resources are appropriate for high school level.
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Content Support For Teachers:
This set of materials pertaining to Kepler's laws includes equations and properties of conic sections, scale of the solar system, the energy equation for Keplerian motion, and Newton's "Universal Gravitation". It is part of a larger collection that offers lesson plans, lecture materials, and historical background. No calculus is introduced.
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Student Tutorials:
Impressive set of modules on astronomy appropriate for the advanced high school level. Interactive web-based concept questions promote active group discussion. Each topic is accompanied by animations and/or simulations. This is a work in progress at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
(Open Website )
This website, sponsored by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is a cost free online workbook/tutorial on the fundamentals of radio astronomy. It would be appropriate to augment a unit on electromagnetic radiation, and includes a unit exam. Available in Adobe pdf format.
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Assessment:
This is an assessment guide for STEM instructors. Learn about research-based assessment design and view examples of varied classroom assessment techniques (CAT's). Diagnostic pre-tests are included for both astronomy and physics learners. (Open Website )
Lesson Plans:
Activities to do in thhe physical science classroom
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How to measure mass in a weightless environment
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Activities:
A unique method to gauge and evaluate astronomical distances
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Hands-on activity that shows the scope and shape of the magnetosphere
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This java applet models the motion of planets in the solar system, demonstrating Kepler's Second Law.
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A terrific interactive tutorial on the evolution of stars. It integrates activities, graphs, quizzes, and animations to trace a star's life from protostar stage through "old age" and death.
(Open Website )
A lesson plan on the topic of periodic motion. Students analyze data from satellites of various binary stars' orbital periods, then construct their own pendulum. Animated instruction clips help students through each step of the process.
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Content Support For Teachers:
Supporting materials for astronomy and physics teachers
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Student Tutorials:
Three simple and engaging interactive animations to help beginning students understand Kepler's three laws.
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Lesson Plans:
Appreciate the origins of astronomical objects.
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Activities:
Core values: What would an apple be doing in space?
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A history and appreciation of the development of calendars
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How did we find them and what this discovery meant to understanding the Earth's mechanics.
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Three simple and engaging interactive animations to help beginning students understand Kepler's three laws.
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References and Collections:
How teachers are facilitating teaching strategies and leading innovation in science teaching
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Looking for books and articles on Galileo written at the level of middle/high school? This resource guide will point you to book lists plus some excellent web sites and videos on the legendary scientist.
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This gem of a resource lets students explore the background of 32 key women who have overcome prejudice and exclusion to make significant contributions to the field of astronomy. In addition, look for the annotated links to author-recommended web sites on the topic.
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Content Support For Teachers:
Student Tutorials:
Understanding orbital mechanics for students.
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Assessment:
Lesson Plans:
More than 20 interactive Java science labs for grades 6-9 with downloadable simulations. Half of the simulations are related to Astronomy and half pertain to general topics in physical science. Each interactive lab is attractive and fun, yet mentally challenging for adolescents. Materials include complete lesson plans which were authored collaboratively by teachers and research scientists.
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References and Collections:
K-12 classroom activities and educational resources on infrared astronomy. Sponsored by NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, find lesson plans for elementary and secondary teachers, games, image sets and videos of infrared and UV phenomena.
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This web site exists to engage students at all levels in NASA's missions of discovery and to help educators gain access to the products and practitioners of NASA research. JPL education resources are organized by grade level for K-12 teachers and learners. There is a wealth of information and activities about the Earth, solar systems, stars and galaxies.
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See virtual images of each planet and its moons as seen from Earth, the Sun, or from any other planet in the solar system. Time parameters may be set from 1990-2025 to enable virtual viewing at certain dates.
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This comprehensive NASA website, intended for grade 7-12 teachers and learners, explores the evolution of the universe. Included are many creative resources, such as "Ask an Astrophysicist", "You Be the Astrophysicist", "Satellite Showcase", and the Cosmic Times newsletter.
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