Explore the Universe, from the Big Bang to our solar system. This special collection provides articles and activities related to astronomy, meteorites, the Earth, and the forces that make collisions happen, to supplement the Science Exploration online investigation Journey Into Space.

		Crash Course? (SuperScience) Article for grades 3 through 6 Introduce younger students to space objects and how gravity affects them. Then have them explore the effects of this force with the Gravity Game.
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		Crash Course? (Science World) Article for grades 6 through 10 Could a space rock destroy life on Earth? Learn more about asteroids, comets, and other space objects and what happens when they collide—with each other and with our planet.
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Astronomy & Space

		What's the Big Idea? Astronomy Article for grades 3 through 8 Huge distances, gigantic sizes, and long periods of time—astronomy is a BIG subject. We've brought learning about it down to size with this look at the big ideas you need to know.
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		Cosmic Chemistry Article for grades 3 through 12 What happened after the Big Bang? This comic strip explains the interactions that lead to the creation of stars, planetary nebulas, and supernovas.
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		The Formation of the Solar System Article for grades 3 through 12 About 4.6 billion years ago, our solar system came into being. This comic strip explains the processes that led to the creation of the planets and the asteroid belt.
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		Planetary Mysteries Article for grades 3 through 8 How much do you know about the Earth's little neighborhood within the vast universe? Take a virtual tour of our solar system to explore its many mysteries. Then put your new-found knowledge to the test.
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		Big Dipper Mobile Activity for grades 3 through 8 On Earth, the Big Dipper looks like a giant connect-the-dots puzzle page. Out in space, though, you'd have a hard time recognizing the constellation. See why with a make-it-yourself mobile.
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		Hayden Planetarium: Astro Images Evidence and Analysis for grades 3 through 12 Chances are your interest in astronomy was piqued by images you saw in the media. Explore this archive for a pictorial tour of the universe and the high-tech tools that allow us to explore it.
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		Hayden Planetarium: Astronomical News and Current Events Reference List for grades 3 through 12 Watch a video about the Hubble Space Telescope, get details on upcoming planned missions from spaceports around the globe, browse NASA's Image of the Day Gallery, and otherwise explore your universe.
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		Hayden Planetarium: Astrophysics Data Portal Reference List for grades 3 through 12 Telescopes and observatories around the world are continually collecting information. But did you know you can access it online? Learn how to retrieve newly gathered data and images.
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		Hayden Planetarium: The Digital Universe Evidence and Analysis for grades 3 through 12 Fly from the Sun to the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, stopping anywhere along the way. It's easy with our three-dimensional Digital Universe data and viewing software.
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		Hayden Planetarium: Virtual Observatory Reference List for grades 3 through 12 If knowledge is power, then shared knowledge is exponentially more powerful. Explore the innovative use of technology and networks to bring astronomical discovery to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
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		Cullman Hall of the Universe Exhibition Materials for grades 6 through 12 Just like humans, stars are born, live out their lives, and then die. See the life cycle for stars play out before your eyes (in a matter of minutes) with this Hall of the Universe Web site.
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Meteorites

		Impacts Article for grades 3 through 12 Why do you think they call it “Impacts"? A comic strip shows what can happen—and does happen—when asteroids head for Earth.
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		Newton's Laws of Motion and Gravity Applied to Meteorites Activity for grades 6 through 12 Did it all start when an apple bopped Isaac Newton on the head? This activity explores some of the ways his fundamental laws are expressed in our dynamic solar system.
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		Launching and Recovering Meteorites Activity for grades 3 through 12 Throwing water balloons on school grounds in the name of science? Absolutely, if you do it safely, and apply what you learn to the science of finding and recovering meteorites.
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		If Rocks Could Talk Article for grades 3 through 8 Every rock has a story to tell—and clues to offer about Earth's history. Meet six specimens that have traveled to the AMNH from places as close as the Catskill Mountains and as far away as outer space.
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		Ernst Chladni and Rocks from the Sky Article for grades 9 through 12 Today, we accept the notion that enormous rocks exist within our solar system and that some of them fall to Earth. A little over 200 years ago, though, this idea garnered skepticism and ridicule.
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Gravity, Force, and Motion

		Gravity: It's Universal Article for grades 9 through 12 We owe our lives to gravity. It holds the atmosphere to Earth and keeps us all from falling off into space. Not to mention that without gravity, the stars and planets—including Earth—wouldn't even exist!
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		Space Shuttle Orbiter Curriculum Materials for grades 9 through 12 Did you know that satellites and the Space Shuttle don't need engines to power their orbits? See how Earth's gravitational pull bends their forward motion and keeps them moving around the planet.
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		Light, Matter, and Energy Article for grades 3 through 8 Who was this genius named Einstein, and where did he get all his great ideas? Find out with this virtual tour of the many ways he changed science. It might just inspire the genius in you!
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Geology & Earth Processes

		What's the Big Idea? Earth Science Article for grades 3 through 8 From slow creeping continents to ground-splitting quakes, the Earth is constantly changing. Take a peek at our planet's layers, learn what secrets rocks reveal, and gain a long view of history.
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		Plates on the Move Article for grades 3 through 8 A volcanic eruption that could be felt across an ocean, an earthquake that sparked landslides, massive tsunamis, and a volcanic eruption ... Examine the world-changing results of plates on the move.
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		Jade Article for grades 3 through 8 Jade has been used by people around the world for thousands of years—first to make tools, later to create precious works of art. Take a peek into mineralogist George Harlow's scrapbook to see why he thinks this rock is so special.
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		Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth Exhibition Materials for all ages Did you know you can see a zircon crystal that's nearly as old as Earth at the Museum? Or a whopping 38 tons of rock—about the weight of six adult African elephants? Explore the Hall of Planet Earth.
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