Great Space Science Websites for Teachers and Students

These space science websites are excellent resources for all types of information on the solar system, space exploration and related topics.

Windows to the Universe

This fabulous site is packed with information on the solar system. You can choose either English or Spanish, and also choose to read Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced versions of the content. This feature makes the information accessible for students of a wide range of grade levels and reading abilities. There is in-depth information about the sun and each of the planets, as well as other features of the solar system such as comets, asteroids, meteors, and more.

There is also information about the history of space science, notable scientists and astronauts, space themes in culture, myth and art, educational games for kids, and teacher resources. Access to all of the information on the site is free, although there is an option for teachers to become paying members to obtain additional features.

Solar System Exploration

In addition to information about individual planets and other components of the solar system, this NASA website has extensive information about all of the past, present and future missions to explore the solar system and beyond, technology, photos, videos and podcasts, and what lies beyond the solar system. The majority of the content is written at a fairly advanced level, so it would be most appropriate for teachers or high school students. However, there are also pages especially for younger students featuring games and puzzles, an art gallery of drawings uploaded by kids, and printable patterns to make detailed paper models of a large number of spacecraft.

The Nine Planets

This website has been around since before Pluto's demotion to dwarf planet, hence the name. It contains a wealth of information on the sun and all of the planets (including Pluto) and their moons, other planetary systems, spacecraft, missions, observatories, and the origin of the solar system. Most of the information is written at a level that would be suitable for teachers or older students, but there is a section written just for elementary kids, with information, photos, movies, and other features, such as a calculator to find out how much you weigh on the other planets.

NASA- Educators

This website has material for teachers categorized by grade level with lesson plans, projects and activites. For students, it features information, activities and games for kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as information for college students about internships, competitions, fellowships, student job opportunities and other resources for students interested in pursuing a career in space science.

http://www.windows2universe.org/

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/index.cfm

http://nineplanets.org/

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/index.html