This section of the Windows to the Universe web site provides information and images about understanding the sky including detailed information about the motion of planets, the motion of the Moon, Earth's motion, and seasons. Links at the top of each page allow users to navigate between beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

Resource Type: Audio/Visual - Illustration, Reference Material - Nonfiction Reference, Reference Material - Nonfiction Reference, Audio/Visual - Illustration
Grade Level: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Examine the phases of the moon from Earth and space

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es2503/es250...

This animation can be used to help students follow the phases of the moon and learn to distinguish between waxing and waning, crescent and gibbous, and first and third quarter moons. After learning to correlate these terms to the moon's appearance, they can watch the moon for a month and keep a record of their observations. Although the resource was designed to accompany a specific Earth science textbook, it can be used without that text.

Resource Type: Reference Material - Nonfiction Reference, Audio/Visual - Movie/Animation
Grade Level: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Observe solar eclipses

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es2505/es250...

After viewing the animations, teachers can ask students to explain why each type of solar eclipse looks different from the others. Students can also develop a model to illustrate their explanation. Teachers can have students make their own animation flip book by sketching the sequence of one of the eclipses. Although the resource was designed to accompany a specific Earth science textbook, it can be used without that text.

Resource Type: Reference Material - Nonfiction Reference, Audio/Visual - Movie/Animation
Grade Level: 4, 5, 6

The Earth and the Moon - The Tides

http://www.ioncmaste.ca/homepage/resources/web_resources/CSA_Astro/files/content/html...

This lesson designed for middle school students contains an applet which visualizes the relationship between the Earth, moon and tides, in which learners gain an understanding of why the Earth experiences tides. In the process they are asked to observe and explain how the relative positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun are responsible for the moon phases, eclipses, and tides. Through guided discussions, students will also gain an appreciation of the benefits of Earths tides.

Resource Type: Instructional Material - Lesson/Lesson Plan
Grade Level: 5, 6

Astronomy for Kids

http://www.dustbunny.com/afk/index.html

This site gives information about space. Included are facts and photos of the solar system and the planets. Click on Sky Wonders for more information on meteors and meteor showers, red shift and lunar eclipses.

Resource Type: Reference Material - Nonfiction Reference, Audio/Visual - Illustration, Audio/Visual - Image/Image Set, Audio/Visual - Photograph
Grade Level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

What causes eclipses of the sun?

http://www.hartrao.ac.za/other/eclipse2002/ecl_cause.html

This resource s illustrations and photographs clearly convey the concept of eclipses and the physical relationships between the sun, moon, and earth.

Resource Type: Instructional Material - Model, Reference Material - Article, Reference Material - Nonfiction Reference, Audio/Visual - Illustration, Audio/Visual - Photograph
Grade Level: 4, 5, 6