Space exploration

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At the Edge of Space: A Frontier Full of Enigmas

nova_hunting_the_edge_of_spaceWGBY will air “At the Edge of Space” on Wednesday, November 20, at 8:00pm.  This NOVA episode takes viewers on a spectacular exploration of the earth-space boundary zone, home to some of nature’s most puzzling and alluring phenomena:  the shimmering aurora, streaking meteors, and fleeting flashes that shoot upwards from thunderclouds, known as sprites that flicker into existence for a mere split-second — 40 times faster than an eye blink.

NOVA rides with scientists in a high-flying weather observation plane as they hunt for sprites and finally succeed in snaring them in 3D video, gaining vital clues to unravel their mystery. NOVA also combines advanced video technology with stunning sequences shot from the International Space Station.  Preview.

NOVA’s Beta site offers many related links, including stunning images galleries.   And at PBS LearningMedia you’ll find nearly 2000 digital resources for space — videos, lesson plans, interactives and more — for grades 6-12 (and younger).  With easy to use search filters for grade, specific content and standards, you can explore, save and file favorites for teaching and learning about this infinite subject.

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Space-Themed Resources from PBS Learning Media

Investigate the Solar System, peer into distant galaxies, and show students how astronauts, scientists, and astronomers interact with their environment using PBS LearningMedia’s classroom-ready, standards-based resources.  Here are just some of those resources:

Building Curiosity: Rover Rocks Rocker-Bogie
Grades 9-12 | Video + Support Materials | Space Research
Take your students behind-the-scenes with a NASA Mobility Engineer to observe the development of a Mars rover and consider the decisions behind its intricate construction.

Hubble’s Expanding Universe
Grades 6-12 | Video + Support Materials | Space Research
Inspire curiosity in your classroom around the topic of the Cosmos by exposing your students to Edwin Hubble’s discoveries.

Scientist Profile: Galactic Astronomer
Grades 4-6 | Video | Astronomy, Careers in Science
See how Marianne Takamiya’s girlhood fascination with the sky led her to a career as an astronomer. Use this video to compliment a lesson on careers in science and for insightful commentary on the study of galaxies.

Gabriela Talks to an Astronaut
Grades PreK-1 | Video | Astronauts, Careers in Science
Show your young students what astronauts do and how they train for space travel with this animated clip from Sid the Science Kid. Your class will hear from an astronaut who helps build and fix objects in space.

If you’ve yet to sign up for this vast digital resource that’s free to teachers, you can register now for the full collection of space-themed resources or to explore additional subject areas.