Human knowledge of space is limited, partly due to its vast nature.
While humans have limited knowledge about space due to its infinite size and unexplored territories, students can learn about current space exploration and what we know about space through activities. Together with your class, you can keep up to date on NASA's (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) activities and explore space together.
Stars
Your students can learn about stars in depth by studying them one at a time. Although the number of stars cannot be counted through current human technology, assign students to pick a known star and study it. They can use Internet search engines, books about stars and university websites that keep catalogs of stars. Have students report on the star's size, its distance from Earth, temperature and the stage of its life cycle it is in.
Galaxies
The universe is dotted with many galaxies including those humans have yet to discover. Have your students read up on galaxies by looking at science books and doing simple Internet searches. Your students can do presentations on galaxies including bringing in pictures and reporting their findings to the class. If you have the equipment, host a galaxy finding night where students can look through school telescopes and find their galaxy.
Solar System
While humans have not been to every planet in our own solar system, there is a lot of information available. Students can study and report on different planets, such as using science books, going to observatories or doing Internet searches and finding information about each planet. Ask students to discuss if scientists think life is possible on other planets, the approximate age of the planets and the conditions there, such as if there is an atmosphere. Younger students can make models of the solar system with Styrofoam balls and hangers.
Constellations
Constellations are collections of stars that humans have imagined create a shape in space. In many cultures, particularly the ancient western, there are stories and myths surrounding these constellations. Ask students to choose a constellation and identify them in the night sky. Have students report on the myths surrounding the constellations and pick out the largest or most apparent stars to report on, such as their age, classifications and temperature.
NASA's Website
NASA runs a website focused entirely on children, giving them activities and access to the latest pictures and research. If you have access to computers and the Internet in your classroom, or your students go to technology classes, have them do activities on the website when they finish their assignments from their computer teacher. If your school does not offer a technology class or students don't have direct Internet access, NASA's website also offers homework topics on aeronautics, aeronautic history, astronaut biographies, Earth science, rockets and space vehicles, and space science. These topics can be used as a springboard for broader lesson plans or as piggyback assignments for topics you're already studying.
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