Creator: NASA | visit site
Grade Range: 1 - 6
This site from NASA offers an unusually well-thought-out introduction to the stars and solar system. The information is available in both primary and upper elementary versions, and the presentation is keyed to applicable national and state standards (primarily Virginia and Maryland). The presentations include elements of astronomy and mathematics. This one is well worth a visit.
In the Classroom
Introduce this activity with a projector or on an interactive whiteboard to show students how to navigate the site. Then, at a computer center, have students explore on their own. Replace pen and paper and ask students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17846">reviewed here</a>. With Telegra.ph you just click on an icon to upload images from your computer, add a YouTube or Vimeo, or Twitter links. This blog creator requires no registration. If you are teaching younger students and looking for an easy way to integrate technology and check for understanding, challenge your students to create a blog using Edublog, <a href="/single.cfm?id=13449">reviewed here</a>.
At Home
Bookmark this site as the great guide to the solar system and starts. No matter what your student’s age, the information on this site will come up with interesting information and serve as an introduction to astronomy and math.