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Grades 6-8

What-s-the-Big-Idea-About-Astronomy

Article

What's the Big Idea About Astronomy?

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. 

What-Do-You-Know-about-Astronomy

Activity

What Do You Know about Astronomy?

How much do you really know about our place in space? Test your astronomy knowledge with this interactive quiz. Don't worry, there's no grading—just a helpful look at the answers when you're done! 

Mint-Your-Own-Coin

Activity

Mint Your Own Coin

That change jangling in your pocket is more than money—it's a record of where and when you live. Find out why coins are valuable clues for archaeologists. Then, design your perfect coin. 

just add water 2_thumb

Activity

Just Add Water!

Give your class a tour of the diverse landscape of your own undersea realm!

Crazy-Camouflage

Activity

Crazy Camouflage

Unlike humans, some animals can instantly change the color or pattern of their skin. Take a hands-on look at how the masters of disguise known as flounders can don several different looks.

They-Glow

Video

They Glow!

Most of the deep sea is very dark, with little or no sunlight. But that doesn't mean marine animals are in the dark! Learn how these clever creatures create their own light.

make-a-scale-drawin

Classroom Activity

Make a Scale Drawing

It’s time to excavate the contents of your desk—that is, after you first create a scale drawing of the site. Explore how precise mapping helps archaeologists keep track of their finds.

how-does-where-you-live_thumb

Classroom Activity

How Does Where You Live Shape How You Live?

With access to products and information from around the world, our range of choices is seemingly endless. But how would life be different if you lived in a different time and an isolated place?

making-mosaics-thumb

Classroom Activity

Making Mosaics

Vivid mosaics of stone and glass cubes—some enhanced with precious gold leaf—once gleamed from the floor, walls, and ceiling of the Petra Church. Learn how to make your own colorful masterpiece.

do-your-own-dig_thumb

Activity

Do Your Own Dig

With a few simple tools from around the house and garden, you can execute a sound archaeological dig. Level by stratigraphic level, learn how to find and analyze objects like a pro.