In Visceral Science, users have the ability to seamlessly move throughout the galaxy, jumping from star to star. In this series of lessons, we explore just how large those distances truly are, and how astronomers measure distances throughout the Universe.
In this lesson, we will explore Standard Candles, one of the ways in which astronomers measure distances in space. Using flashlights, students will be able to observe how the same light is dimmer the further it is from an observer.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: .

In Visceral Science, users have the ability to seamlessly move throughout the galaxy, jumping from star to star. In this series of lessons, we explore just how large those distances truly are, and how astronomers measure distances throughout the Universe.
In astronomy, the cosmic distance ladder represents all of the methods astronomers use to measure distance. Each rung of the ”ladder” measures slightly further, but rely on the methods before it. In this lesson, students will build a distance ladder of their own using objects found in the classroom and school.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Tablet or Smartphone.

Learners start by using the Arcadia Earth app’s Keep the Great Lakes GREAT section to glean base knowledge of the North American Great Lakes and factors impacting the region. Students then deepen their knowledge to discover human impact on the Great Lakes in regards to runoff and plastic pollution. This lesson incorporates the activity, Littered Lakes, which exposes plastic accumulation and flow throughout the region. The lesson concludes with discussing and brainstorming solutions to mitigate harmful runoff and plastic pollution. Although this lesson specifies the Great Lakes of North America, principles and concepts can be applied to any watershed.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

In this activity, students will compare their lives on Earth with a virtual experience on Mars. They will begin by using their five senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste) to illustrate and describe various aspects of their lives on Earth. After similarly describing their virtual time on Mars, they will consider the biggest similarities and differences between their “time” on the two planets. They will then create a newspaper article or news report script that strives to help their audience understand what life is like in this deep-space colony.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

During the lesson, students will learn the basics of electricity and circuits and build their first circuit using Snap Circuits. If students do not have access to Snap Circuits, this lesson can be completed using anything that provides students the ability to connect the following components: Power source ( 9V battery); Conductive material (wires, aluminum foil, paper clips, etc.); An “output” device for the electricity (flashlight lightbulb or holiday light); A switch (two metal thumbtacks and a paper clip, aluminum foil and a paper clip, etc.).

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

During the lesson, students will learn about series and parallel circuits and how they are used for different purposes. If students do not have access to Snap Circuits, this lesson can be completed using safe household materials that provide students the ability to connect the following components: Power source ( 9V battery); Conductive material (wires, aluminum foil, paper clips, etc.); An “output” device for the electricity (flashlight lightbulb or holiday light); A switch (two metal thumbtacks and a paper clip, aluminum foil and a paper clip, etc.).

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

During the lesson, students will learn about slightly more advanced circuitry concepts such resistance, motors, and LED’s. They will conclude the lesson by creating the wiring for a helicopter. Note: See Additional Resources in this lesson's Facilitator Guide for ideas to complete this lesson with common household items. While the circuits may not be identical, students will still be able to understand the basic concepts of a circuit.

Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

During the lesson, students will learn about speakers and integrated circuits. Note: See Additional Resources in this lesson's Facilitator Guide for ideas to complete this lesson with common household items.

Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

This is the first of two lessons of “Elements of a Community” in which students will engage with and explore two artworks: the painting Landscape with Garage Lights by Jerome Myers and the Chinese figure Camel made from Terracotta. They will also create an original work of art based on their interpretation of the two artworks which then can be scanned for inclusion in a CocoCast “cast.” In this first lesson, students will preview a “Sneak Peak” of Landscape with Garage Lights and the Chinese Tang Dynasty Camel in their classroom.

By engaging with and exploring a work of art, first virtually via CocoCast in the classroom, then in person in the art museum, young students are empowered to share their own prior knowledge, use critical thinking skills like prediction, comparison, and sequencing, and better notice details of the world around them. The art museum becomes a part of their own community, just like the corner store, the library, and the school.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

This is the second and last of two lessons of “Elements of a Community” in which students will engage with and explore two artworks: the painting Landscape with Garage Lights by Stuart Davis and the Chinese figure Camel made from Terracotta. They will also create an original work of art based on their interpretation of the two artworks which then can be scanned for inclusion in a CocoCast “cast”. In this first lesson, students will preview a “Sneak Peak” of Landscape with Garage Lights and the Chinese Tang Dynasty Camel in their classroom.

By engaging with and exploring a work of art, first virtually via CocoCast in the classroom, then in person in the art museum, young students are empowered to share their own prior knowledge, use critical thinking skills like prediction, comparison, and sequencing, and better notice details of the world around them. The art museum becomes a part of their own community, just like the corner store, the library, and the school.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

Students will use critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills to create an emoji. The Vectr graphics software used in this activity helps students develop a STEM mindset. It is important to allow students to work through the process as independently as possible with the facilitator acting only as a guide.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop.

This is a space-themed lesson on entrepreneurship! In this section, students will explore how entrepreneurship affects markets around the universe.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn how to be a skillful entrepreneur that transforms ideas into businesses. They will define profit, cost, and revenue. In addition, they will understand the important of the 4Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promote. Then, they will create their own business card to sell Robot Salad at VilBot’s Family Reunion.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

We have time traveled back all the way to 400 BC to learn about Entrepreneurship and Currency. In this lesson, students will design their own money using pencils and markers.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop.

This lesson will focus on bony fish form and adaptations. Students will begin by looking at different types of marine life, particularly fish, in the Aurelia application. After discussing the 3 different classes of fish and basic fish anatomy, students will take a deeper dive into the bony fish class and learn about the adaptations that they have to survive in different ecosystems. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the external anatomy of a bony fish and be able to tell the difference between a bony, cartilaginous or jawless fish.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

This lesson will focus on cartilaginous fish form and adaptations. Students will begin by looking at different types of marine life, particularly fish, in the Aurelia application. After discussing the biological classification system and the 3 classes of fish, students will learn the external anatomy of the main groups of cartilaginous fish. Students will then take a deeper dive into the adaptations of cartilaginous fish that make them different from bony fish. We will finish up by covering modern issues that are facing cartilaginous fish and how we can help their populations.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

In this activity, participants explore the way the shape of the land and the pull of gravity influence how water moves over Earth. By making unique mountain models from crumpled paper and watching how water moves across them, participants can act as Earth scientists, using their observations to make predictions about the future of our planet. Both English and Spanish activity resources are included. Educators should begin with the file named: Paper Mountains - Lesson Plan - START HERE.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

In this activity, participants will imagine the challenges and opportunities of asteroid mining. Participants will draw their own asteroid mining machines, and consider how these devices would extract, process, and return mined materials to Earth. They can also assume roles assigned by the activity's challenge cards, and imagine what concerns or priorities they might have as a scientist, explorer, lawyer, or engineer. While the technologies necessary for mining materials from asteroids do not yet exist, current missions exploring and studying asteroids may lay the groundwork for future asteroid mining operations. Educators should begin with the file named: Asteroid Mining - Lesson Plan - START HERE.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

In this activity, participants explore the concept of apparent size and experience this phenomenon using familiar objects—a tennis ball and a beach ball. Participants learn that the Sun and Moon appear the same size in our sky because although the Sun is much bigger than the Moon, it is also much farther away. Both English and Spanish activity resources are included. Educators should begin with the file named: Big Sun, Small Moon - Lesson Plan - START HERE.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

In this activity, participants investigate a frozen sphere, trying to learn about objects hidden inside. Participants learn that planetary scientists at NASA are investigating "icy worlds" in the outer solar system, looking for evidence of liquid water and possible signs of life beneath the icy surface.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.