We develop ready-to-go standards-based space science activities and curriculum for your classroom. Many are hands-on activities and inquiry-based. In these materials, we incorporate reading, writing, math, and basic physical science. Here are some of our – and we hope your -- favorite lessons. See the “more” page to access our full library of lessons.

Grades K-6

Eye on the Sky—Integrating Science and Language Arts
Introduce your students to astronomy in the K-4 classroom with this easy-to–use curriculum focusing on the Sun/Earth/Moon system. This site contains engaging inquiry-based and hands-on science activities developed specifically for learners in the primary grades.

Reading, Writing and Rings!—The journey to Saturn begins in the classroom
Science and language arts come together to support learning in these K-4 lessons focusing on the exploration of Saturn and its moon, Titan. Age-appropriate reading and writing activities develop students’ literacy skills while unlocking the wonders and mysteries of the sixth planet.

GEMS Space Science Sequence
Students examine the astronomy concepts related to size and scale, gravity, orbits, and moon phases and eclipses.

How Satellites See
Meet three NASA satellites and compare images from each to learn how they "see" the Universe at different wavelengths.

Third From the Sun
Learn about observing earth from space and guess the locations pictured in Landsat images.

Auroras: Paintings In the Sky
An introduction to auroras and the processes that create these mysterious lights.

Satellite Flow Data Demonstration
Hands-on "lab" with documentation shows how data get from satellite to scientist.

Grades 6-9

Exploring Magnetism
Students discover the connection between electricity and magnetism and its manifestations in space weather.

Best of the Solar System
A student introduction to planetary research through images of solar system objects.

Classifying Galaxies
Learn to identify and classify galaxies the way astronomers do. Then go to the Hubble Space Telescope Institute for more advanced study.

The Comet's Tale
A self-guided tour of the history, structure, and orbits of comets, and their impact on life here on earth.

Geography From Space
Students learn to examine and interpret images of Earth taken by satellites such as LANDSAT.

Guest Investigator Puzzle
Learn a basic technique of astrophysics research by matching EUV spectra of "mystery" stars with those of known stars.

The Light Tour
A self-guided introduction to properties of light and applications to astronomy.

The Martian Sun-Times
Weather reporters obtain current data on seasons, temperatures and clouds on Mars and compare to conditions on Earth.

Search For Ice and Snow
Students devise ways to find frozen reservoirs of water using NASA shuttle images.

Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS)

  • GEMS Space Science Sequence
    Students examine how the Sun affects Earth, why there are seasons, the solar system and the universe beyond.
  • Living with a Star
    Students become solar scientists, studying fascinating aspects of the Sun and Earth and the critical connections between the two.
  • Real Reasons for the Seasons
    Students arrive at a clear understanding of seasons as they investigate the connections between the Sun and Earth.

Big Trouble In Earthquake Country
Learn about the likelihood and hazards of quakes; create strategies to minimize loss of life and damage to local infrastructure.

Exploring the Planets
Discover the wonders of the solar system through an extensive image collection in self guided exhibits on planets, comets, and NASA satellite missions.

Find That Planet!
Make a horizon planetarium to find the locations of planets in the sky. High School students can use position data to make a sky map.

The Great Satellite Search!
Learn skills of doing Internet research and then organize and present information on one of several science satellite missions.

Measuring Stellar Temperature: How Hot Is That Star?
This multi-part module uses the Sun as a first example to illustrate how astronomers measure temperature using a star's spectrum.

Spectra From Space
Meet four different astronomy satellites and do hands-on activities illustrating different spectral wavelengths.

Surfing For Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Use the Internet to research earthquakes and volcanoes and plot locations to determine continental plate boundaries.

X-Ray Candles: Solar Flares On Your Birthday
Students will "discover" the solar cycle through an investigation of solar x-ray flares. Using GOES x-ray data, they will record the total number of flares in their birth month over 11 years and will compute the percentage of high class flares which occur for each year. Students will graph their findings to help them identify the long term pattern of flare activity on the Sun.

Grades 9-12

Exploring Magnetism
Students investigate electromagnetic phenomenon on Earth, in Earth’s magnetosphere, and in solar flares.

Modeling the Universe
Students explore the current scientific model for the structure and evolution of the universe and the evidence that supports that model.

Electromagnetic Radiation - On Trial
Gather evidence of beneficial or nefarious properties of various types of EM radiation.

Eyes In The Sky
Students use technology to track and study orbiting NASA spacecraft.

Graphing Stratospheric Ozone
Interpret satellite images and plot ozone density to discover trends and cycles in environmental chemistry.

Ice On Venus??
Use satellite images and on-line articles to investigate the composition of the Venusian surface.

Sunspots
What are sunspots and what do we know about them? Explore history and modern research into these mysterious spots and do some solar science yourself.

Take A Spin Through the Solar System
Use data from NASA web sites to measure and calculate rotation rates of planets and the sun.

Exploring the Interstellar Medium
Use data from NASA web sites to measure and calculate rotation rates of planets and the sun.

Television In The Sky: A Cathode Ray Tube and Aurora Creation Analogy
This web-based lesson compares how auroral light produced on the Earth's atmospheric screen is similar to the images produced on the screen of a television or computer monitor's Cathode Ray Tube.

More classroom lessons at the Science Education Gateway (SEGway) Education Website

"These lessons are a pleasure to facilitate and students do gain an understanding. All of the MAVEN lessons help students see NASA as something they can work towards and not just a 'place for smart people.'  They enjoy it as they are taking an active part in this discovery... Students are very interested in space which is evident by their questions. They get so much more out of these type investigations than isolated experiments in most science kit modules." -- 6th grade teacher and MAVEN Educator Ambassador, Carol Kendall
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