Teaching tools > With guides > Overview: Galaxies Galore

Description:

Online exploration: Galaxies Galore, Games and More is designed to allow elementary students to use their observational, pattern recognition, and classification skills to learn about galaxies. In these activities students will become acquainted with the structure of their home galaxy, learn the location of the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy, and identify the three main types of galaxies: spiral, elliptical, and irregular.

Format(s) available: Online interactive

Grades: K-5, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher's discretion

Educator Guide: See online teacher pages.

Online exploration: Galaxies Galore, Games and More can be used to enhance students' observational, pattern recognition, and classification skills while learning about galaxies.

Special features of this activity include "Galaxy Gossip" and "Galaxy Gallery," which can be accessed through buttons on many of the individual pages. Each "Galaxy Gossip" has additional related facts about the topic being developed; "Galaxy Gallery" supplies additional images that extend the concept. Both sections can be used in a variety of ways. For example, students could select topics for homework assignments, oral reports, or independent research papers. Teachers may find that using selected topics from the "Galaxy Gossip" section is an interesting way to solicit new thinking about galaxies.

For more suggestions about how to use this activity in the classroom, access the lesson plan by clicking on the Teaching Tips button found on the first page of the activity. A science background component (the "All About Galaxies" button) contains information about galaxies that may be used by teachers and students. Other resources (the "Galaxy Links" button) include the images used in the activity, related web sites, and references. Specific information about computer requirements (the "Computer Needs" button) can also be found on the first page of the activity. In addition, "How to prepare for an online 'Amazing Space' activity" provides tips for setting up and using this activity in the classroom.

Related materials (accessed below) include lithographs, Fast Facts, and a graphic organizer, which may be used for pre-engagement and/or follow-up activities.

Related materials:

Printer-friendly: Galaxy Trading Cards

See the Galaxies section on "Teaching tools" page.

Printable parts:

Teaching tools > With guides > Overview: Galaxies Galore