Astronomy & Space Classroom Resources

This collection of lessons and web resources is aimed at classroom teachers, their students, and students' families. Most of these resources come from the National Science Digital Library (NSDL). NSDL is the National Science Foundation's online library of resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. See www.nsdl.org

Teachers' Domain: Earth in the Universe
Resource: Educator (grades K-12)
http://www.teachersdomain.org/collection/k12/sci.ess.eiu/
This Web site provides a collection of information and lesson plans on the topic of Earth and the Universe. Navigate this site with ease to access information.

ComPADRE Pathway for Physics and Astronomy Education Communities
Resource: Educator (grades K-12)
http://www.compadre.org
The ComPADRE Digital Library is a network of free online resource collections for faculty, college students, and teachers in Physics and Astronomy education. The site offers online discussions and tutorials for students, resources for physics and astronomy teachers in grades K-12, research for college faculty and information on available learning opportunities.

Cosmic Journey: A History of Scientific Cosmology
Resource: Educator (grades 6-12)
http://www.aip.org/history/cosmology
The history of cosmology is a grand story of discovery, from ancient Greek astronomy to space telescopes. This Web site presents cosmological theory and astronomical instruments side by side. The site is very easy to navigate and contains intriguing information about the people, the theories, and the tools used in cosmology.

Bad Astronomy
Resource: General Public
http://www.badastronomy.com
Maintained by astronomer Phil Plait, this Web site has a new home at Discover Blog and is devoted to correcting myths and misconceptions about astronomy and related topics. Plait is a skeptic, and fights misuses of science as well as praising the wonder of real science. The site provides numerous links to support Plait's opinion and is sometimes quite entertaining but always thought provoking.

Eyes on the Sky and Feet on the Ground
Resource: Educator (grades K-6) and Parents
http://hea-www.harvard.edu/ECT/the_book/index.html
This Web site promotes an understanding of the scientific process of investigation and includes suggestions for discussions before and after explorations. There are lesson plans for hands-on activities broken down by levels: K-2, 2-4, and 4-6. A most valuable resource for teaching inquiry-based science to young children leading their curiosity to question and explore.

Marshall Space Flight Center Education
Resource: Educator (grades K-12) and Parents
http://education.msfc.nasa.gov
This NASA Web page provides resources for students and educators and offers detailed information on the educational programs and research opportunities offered by the Marshall Space Flight Center. The page has something for all ages of students as well as educators and parents.

Brighten up the Classroom
Resource: Educator (grades 7-12)
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/info/kids/index.html
NOAA / Space Weather Prediction Center's website "Brighten Up The Classroom" provides background information and activities about space weather for teachers and students. The site provides materials targeting grades 7-12.

Amazing Space
Resource: Educator (grades 6-8) and General Public
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu
The Amazing Space Web site promotes the science and majestic beauty of the universe for use in the classroom. Content developed for educators and learners of all ages is accurate, classroom-friendly, visually appealing, and carefully crafted to adhere to accepted educational standards. By sharing Hubble Space Telescope's greatest discoveries, learners of all ages will enjoy learning about the universe and gain an even greater understanding of it in the future.

Exploration of the Universe (EUD)
Resource: Educator (grades 8-12) and Students (grades 8-12)
http://universe.gsfc.nasa.gov
The Education and Outreach page of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Web site provides background information about the structure and evolution of the universe. This page is a valuable resource for educators and students.

NASA
Resource: Educator (grades K-high education), Students (grades K-higher education) and General Public
http://www.nasa.gov/
The NASA home page provides everyone with the latest information from space. The home page allows users to choose an information path for Educators, Students, and the general public.

Astronomy & Space Research Overview
Resource: All Audiences
http://www.nsf.gov/news/overviews/astronomy/index.jsp
Information on NSF.gov website reviewing polar research. Site provides information on life in the poles to climate change. Information is current with eye-catching visuals. Targets grades K-12.