This book offers an introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum using examples of …
This book offers an introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum using examples of data from a variety of NASA missions and satellite technologies. The 84 problem sets included allow students to explore the concepts of waves, wavelength, frequency, and speed; the Doppler Shift; light; and the energy carried by photons in various bands of the spectrum. Extensive background information is provided which describes the nature of electromagnetic radiation.
In this activity, students construct an analytical spectroscope and analyze the spectrum …
In this activity, students construct an analytical spectroscope and analyze the spectrum produced when various substances are heated or excited with electricity. This activity is part of Unit 2 in the Space Based Astronomy guide that contains background information, worksheets, assessments, extensions, and standards.
In this activity, students study the range of colors in a visible …
In this activity, students study the range of colors in a visible light spectrum created from either a glass prism or holographic diffraction grating. This activity is in unit 2 of the "Space-Based Astronomy" guide that contains background information, worksheets, assessment activities, extensions, and alignment to national education standards.
In this activity, a Whiffle® ball containing a battery-operated buzzer is twirled …
In this activity, a Whiffle® ball containing a battery-operated buzzer is twirled in a circle to demonstrate the Doppler effect. The demonstration is an illustration of how stellar spectra can be used to measure a star's motion relative to Earth along the line of sight. This activity is part of Unit 2 in the Space Based Astronomy guide that contains background information, worksheets, assessments, extensions, and standards.
Using a paper and tape device, students experience how atoms and molecules …
Using a paper and tape device, students experience how atoms and molecules of gas in Earth’s atmosphere absorb electromagnetic energy through resonance. This activity is part of Unit 2 in the Space Based Astronomy guide that contains background information, worksheets, assessments, extensions, and standards.
In this activity, students demonstrate the relationship between wave frequency and energy …
In this activity, students demonstrate the relationship between wave frequency and energy in the electromagnetic spectrum by shaking a rope to identify the relationships. This activity is part of Unit 2 in the Space Based Astronomy guide that contains background information, worksheets, assessments, extensions, and standards.
Most orbiting bodies follow a path that is an ellipse. In this …
Most orbiting bodies follow a path that is an ellipse. In this activity, students construct 2 ellipses, and examine and measure them to determine some of their fundamental properties. The exercise helps learners make comparisons to planetary orbit eccentricities, and includes guidelines for constructing a scale model of Haley's comet.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students compare and contrast emissions from different modes …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students compare and contrast emissions from different modes of transportation and explore the concept of transportation planning.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson asks students to investigate the amount of carbon emitted by different forms of transportation. The numbers used for the calculations are backed by peer-reviewed science, and the methodologies come from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This lesson has passed our scientific review process.
POSITIVES: -This lesson builds upon students' understanding of place in the world and the impact of individual lifestyle choices. -It features relevant real-world math problems. -It offers career path integration in the sector of transportation planning and transit. -Students creatively brainstorm solutions for real-world issues and civil concerns.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -This is lesson 2 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Green Transportation unit. -Students should have knowledge of reading a bar graph and a basic understanding of interpreting data. -If students do not have background knowledge of their community's public transportation systems, they should be appropriately introduced to the basics of how buses, metros, and railways work. -The graph in the Inquire section uses the unit CO2e to measure emissions from different modes of transportation. CO2e stands for carbon dioxide equivalent, which is the measure of the impact of all greenhouse gases in terms of the amount of CO2 that would create the same amount of warming. For the purpose of this lesson and the age of the learners, it is probably best to just use the terms “carbon dioxide” and “CO2.”
DIFFERENTIATION: -There can be number-set choices for math problems available for different abilities and skill sets. -Students can work in pairs or small groups.
This is a lesson that applys occultations to Saturn's Moon Enceladus. Learners …
This is a lesson that applys occultations to Saturn's Moon Enceladus. Learners will establish whether Saturn’s small moon, Enceladus, has an atmosphere, whether that atmosphere is over the entire planet, and what creates Saturn’s E-ring. The activity is part of Project Spectra, a science and engineering program for middle-high school students, focusing on how light is used to explore the Solar System.
An introduction to the forms and changes in energy. This lesson discusses …
An introduction to the forms and changes in energy. This lesson discusses potential and kinetic energy as well as introducing the 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics.
This energy game activity engages students in learning about energy sources. This …
This energy game activity engages students in learning about energy sources. This game demonstrates that energy, the environment, and economics are closely tied together. During the course of the game and in the discussion afterward, students learn the concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost, net energy profit, law of diminishing returns, and that availability does not mean usefulness.
We are obligated to provide enrichment opportunities and to appropriately challenge and …
We are obligated to provide enrichment opportunities and to appropriately challenge and engage these students. How do we find and monitor science enrichment activities for those students simultaneous to providing additional intervention and assistance to students who have yet to master the current concepts?
This article provide a list of learning objectives and excerpts from the …
This article provide a list of learning objectives and excerpts from the K-8 content standards of the National Science Education Standards that are associated with Principle 1 of the Seven Essential Principles of the Climate Sciences. Also provided are explanations of some common misconceptions on light, heat, and the seasons, plustools for formative assessment and ideas for teaching these scientific concepts. The article appears in the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, which focuses on one of the Seven Essential Principles in each issue.
Each issue of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water …
Each issue of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle explores an essential principle of climate science and climate literacy with background information, lessons, activities, original stories, and more for the K-5 classroom. This article shows the alignment of these materials with the content standards of the National Science Education Standards.
This article explores the alignment of the sixth essential principle of the …
This article explores the alignment of the sixth essential principle of the climate sciences to national science education standards and its connections to the K-5 curriculum. The article also identifies some common misconceptions young students have about weather and climate. The free online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle focuses on the topics that are appropriate for young learners and introduce them to climate literacy concepts.
This article identifies age-appropriate national science education content standards and curriculum connections …
This article identifies age-appropriate national science education content standards and curriculum connections for introducing complex concepts contained in Principle 7 of the Essential Principles of Climate Sciences. The principle describes consequences of climate changes on Earth systems and human lives. The content standards will help teachers determine appropriate topics for their students. A number of resources from the online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle are highlighted for their connection to the science curriculum in the early grades. In addition, the article identifies common misconceptions about weather and the water cycle often held by students.
In this NASA video, scientists describe how the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment …
In this NASA video, scientists describe how the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment will sample and track the Sun's ultraviolet irradiance, providing a detailed time sequence of extreme ultraviolet output -- data that can provide advance warning for potentially disruptive energy bursts.
This video segment adapted from NOVA tells the story of two scientists …
This video segment adapted from NOVA tells the story of two scientists who inadvertently discovered microwave radiation that is now believed to be heat left over from the Big Bang.
In this video segment adapted from NASA, students in Matsuyama City, Japan, …
In this video segment adapted from NASA, students in Matsuyama City, Japan, interview Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri about life and work aboard the International Space Station.
No restrictions on your remixing, redistributing, or making derivative works. Give credit to the author, as required.
Your remixing, redistributing, or making derivatives works comes with some restrictions, including how it is shared.
Your redistributing comes with some restrictions. Do not remix or make derivative works.
Most restrictive license type. Prohibits most uses, sharing, and any changes.
Copyrighted materials, available under Fair Use and the TEACH Act for US-based educators, or other custom arrangements. Go to the resource provider to see their individual restrictions.
