This article was updated April 2024.
The number of astronomy lessons and activities is almost as infinite as the cosmos itself!
April is World Astronomy Month, and with the seemingly endless stream of new discoveries made by astronomers, there is no shortage of opportunities to engage students in STEM topics, as well as the study of celestial objects, from stargazing and distant galaxies to the search for exoplanets and even black holes.
And in the wake of the enthusiasm surrounding The recent total eclipse and the continued interest in the discoveries of James Webb Space Telescope In addition to the increasing number of upcoming crewed missions, expect interest in space exploration to expand like the universe itself!
The best astronomy lessons and activities
Astronomy for beginners
The Planetary Society offers this manual for those just beginning their journey toward exploring the night sky, including basic tips that anyone can use, whether you're using equipment to view space objects or simply looking at the night sky with your own eyes. .
NASA STEM Commitment
The largest U.S. space agency has a full range of lessons, activities, teaching guides, and more, organized and searchable by grade level, subject, and audience. From playing with space-time and discovering the truth about black holes to creating color images of real space missions and solving space math problems, there is a galaxy of options to choose from.
NSTA Astronomy Resources
From the National Science Teaching Association, a vast galaxy of NGSS-aligned lesson plans, activities, news, magazine articles, and more, all sortable by grade level, topics, format, and price, though much is free or included with membership.
Science Buddies: Astronomy Lesson Plans
NGSS-aligned lesson plans here include making a model of the solar system, modeling gravity, studying the phases of the moon, and using magnets and ball bearings to simulate a slingshot planetary flyby maneuver.
Institute of Space Sciences: Educational Resources
Games, lessons, activities, educator guides, and more from this nonprofit organization, including standards-aligned kinesthetic astronomy lessons that teach basic astronomical concepts with physical movement and educational sensory experiences.
California Academy of Sciences: Astronomy Lessons and Activities
Simple activities that can be done in the classroom or at home using common items such as paper cups and clay, as well as kinesthetic astronomy activities.
PBS: Seeing in the Dark
Along with the movie Seeing In the Dark, PBS offers activities for students, such as reassigning constellations to more contemporary figures, learning to tell time based on The Big Dipper, and finding “birthday” stars, plus links to other constellation-related activities. astronomy. from all over the web.
Astronomical Society of the Pacific: Educational Activities
A variety of astronomy activities, materials and kits used by educators and outreach workers, including downloadable documents, videos and audio links.
Common Sense Education: Best Astronomy Apps and Websites for Students
These tools vetted by Common Sense Education offer a variety of learning, including sky mapping apps, 3D space exploration tools, virtual reality experiences, and much more.
American Museum of Natural History and Ology: Astronomy for Kids
There's a galaxy of fun here, including games, videos, reading materials, and hands-on activities like building your own Big Dipper, making your own space jelly, and baking cosmic cookies!
38 Space Activities for Kids That Are Out of This World
We Are Teachers offers this collection of fun, hands-on activities ranging from building simple models and watching videos to more interactive experiences like launching a (non-explosive!) bottle rocket and designing a space lander.
Develop essential astronomical skills
From Coursera, a selection of free foundation courses to get you started on a potential career in astronomy, including space-time exploration, general relativity, archaeoastronomy, astrobiology, and the search for life.
Activities in the McDonald Observatory classroom
Standards-aligned activities and experiments for K-12 students, from modeling the night sky and observing the moon to guessing interplanetary distances and exploring sunspots.
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: Help in the classroom
It may be a different country but it's the same stars and planets! A robust offering of teaching supports, including astronomy curriculum, lesson plans, science fair projects, and professional development.
SOFIA Science Center: Classroom activities to learn about infrared light
Students can learn about the role of infrared light in astronomy, including common misconceptions, the importance of filters in space observation, and other wavelengths of light.
Astronomy Simulations and Animations from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A treasure trove of free, interactive astronomical simulations that will captivate students. No downloads required; All simulations run within your browser window. There's no need for an account either – just start investigating the simulations, ranging from the Milky Way Habitability Explorer to the Big Dipper Clock and the Telescope Simulator. Each simulation is accompanied by a link to supporting materials, as well as a help file that explains all the moving parts. Excellent for both higher education and high school students.
AstroAnimation
AstroAnimation, a strikingly original collaboration between animation students and astronomers, features animations that tell space stories in an unusual way. Each animation portrays a rocket science principle and is accompanied by a brief summary of how the partners worked together. After watching the animations, students can discuss the science and critique the animation. Ideal for STEAM lessons.
Digital Astronomy Open Curriculum
A collection of astronomy lessons spanning kindergarten through 12th grade that are aligned or can easily be adapted for NGSS and cover topics such as Jupiter and the Galilean moons, star navigation, Mars, and integrating astronomy into other subjects.
Science games from the Institute of Space Sciences
These free, sophisticated and powerful space games will engage students in a virtual exploration of the universe. Start with “What happens if an asteroid or comet hits my city?” then try “Listening for Life” or “Shadow Rover.” Each game is artfully constructed and features high-quality animation, music, and information on the topic. Other fun activities include space-themed puzzles and astronomical trivia. Be sure to also check out the free apps for iOS and Android.
NASA's 6 Best Tools for Teaching About the James Webb Space Telescope
Build on the excitement surrounding the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope with educator Erik Ofgang, who details free, standards-aligned resources available to teachers. Explore the STEM Toolkit, Webb Virtual Platform, NASA Professional Development Webinars, and more.
