Classroom Resources > Curriculum Center
Curriculum Center
The Universe iconThe Universe
Hands-On Activities
Curriculum Center Home||Chemistry Home||Peak Their Interest|| Hands-On Activities ||Project Ideas||
Word Play||Glossary||Quiz
Give your students a stellar introduction to the universewith these two activities, which explore galactic rotation and the expanding universe. The printable handouts include experiment directions and a worksheet for students to complete.
Check out ourThe Universe CD-ROMwhich includes similar activities.
The Spin Is In
Introduce students to different-shaped galaxies and how galaxies form with this activity in which students model galactic rotation. Using cups of water and dry powdered milk, they will learn how gravity and the speed of rotation can alter a galaxy's structure.
Big Bang Balloon
Modeling how the Big Bang has created an expanding universe is a great way for students to understand that the distance between objects in the universe continues to expand along with the universe, itself. This simple activity requires only balloons, felt-tip markers, string, and rulers.