Wouldn't you like to teach in a Cosmic Classroom? A Cosmic classroom takes the unifying theme of space and develops the knowledge and skills for all content areas using an inquiry approach. You will be surprised at the kinds of connections that can be made when the universe is your subset.

Each resource activity book contains 24 Space-Based Activities for Earth-Based Students. They represent a two-year writing effort, extensive field testing in more than sixty classrooms, and feedback from students participating in our school visit program. Every module from kindergarten through grade 12 is interdisciplinary ... besides teaching science concepts, we've thrown in some math, literature, and fine arts.

Cosmic Classroom modules are $25.00 per module.

Available Modules

Living in Space (grade K-2)
Students in the early grades begin their investigation of living in space by comparing what they know with the abstract notion of life away from the Earth. They will observe the similarities and differences between their daily routine and the routines of astronauts on extended missions. They will perform simple experiments to measure weight saved by using food in a rehydratable form, and how much living space is available in the shuttle. Careers which support the space program will be experienced through role playing and language experiences. (184 pages)

Stars, Planets, and Satellites (grade 3-5)
Students extend their investigation by tackling concepts of astronomy, planetary motion, the characteristics of planets and their moons, and the structure of the solar system. They will make tools to assist with the measurement and identification of star patterns so that they may perform night watches outside of class. They will make scale models of the solar system, classify satellites and probes, and sequence the events in the life story of a star (176 pages)

Moving in Space (4-8)
Students in the intermediate grades will be introduced to concepts of motion, air pressure, chemical reactions, the structure of the atmosphere, and the parts of aircraft and spacecraft. They will design and build aircraft that maximize lift and reduce drag, and will assess the advantages of multi-stage rocket design. They will find examples and describe concepts of gravity, and Newton's universal laws of motion. (210 pages)

Maps, Models, and Measurement (7-10)
Students in grades 7-10 will be introduced to concepts of geography, time, and how technology changes our understanding of the universe. They will make tools to assist with the measurement of distance and velocity. They will learn the difference between physical, conceptual, and mathematical modes. Above all, students will gain a sense of the complexity of studying planets that are millions of miles away and events that are over in seconds. (204 pages)

A Presence in Space: Life Sciences (9-12)
Look at key elements of the space environment and describe the changes that occur in body structure as a result of long-term weightlessness. Learn about closed loop systems to design a Mars habitat, and compare Russian and American space programs before and after the Cold War. Topics from biology, psychology, and environmental science will be explored theough simulations, demonstrations and internet research. (195 pages)

A Presense in Space: Physical Sciences (9-12)
Investigate acceleration and momentum to launch rocket cars, review basic chemistry in order to catalog the advantages of solid and liquid propellants. Rocket flight patterns will be used to model parabolic functions, and planetary orbits model elliptical functions. Topics from chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology will be explored through simulations, demonstrations and internet research. (212 pages)

Please download an Order Form (pdf) and fax to 281-283-7724 or mail to:

Space Center Houston
Attn: School Visit
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058

Please call 281-244-2164 or email edprograms@spacecenter.org for more information.