Birth of the Earth Lesson Plan

Objectives
Students will understand the following:

1. Earth is estimated to be 4.6 billion years old.
2. Certain major events have occurred during this period that are considered important milestones in Earth’s development.
3. Early Earth was very different from our planet as we know it today.
4. Earth has existed as we know it today for only a very short time, relative to the number of years since its origin.

Lesson is here.

Earth's Gravity

In this video adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, investigate the hypothetical scenario of a person falling into a hole through the center of Earth. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson illustrates the thought experiment; first he defines the conditions—ignore the effects of air resistance, temperature, and Earth's rotation—and then he travels through the hole. A timer and speedometer show how his speed changes as he falls toward the center of Earth, passes the center, and slows to a stop at the opposite end of the hole.

The Astronomy Workshop

A University of Maryland astronomy web site worth exploring. There are many interesting modules.

Solar System Visualizer

The Solar System Visualizer was created by Michael VanDaniker and Andrew Lund as a part of an independent study under Douglas Hamilton at the University of Maryland.

2009 The International Year of Astronomy

It's true! This year is the International Year of Astronomy.

This is directly from the IYA2009 web site

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture and marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover". IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.

NY Times Astronomy Quiz

A very good online astronomy quiz accompanied by beautiful images.

Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch

Here's a New York Times article on the Pacific Ocean "garbage patch," which is reportedly the size of Texas. Included in the article are images of the garbage patch.

Astronomy Review Game

Here's an astronomy review game teachers can use to help students to prepare for the unit exam.

Life Cycle of a Star

Here's a web site focused on the life cycle of a star. The site contains animations that provide visuals to help students better understand the concept of a star's life cycle.