Space Math at NASA
Whether you're an educator or simply enjoy mathematical challenges, explore our collection of solar science problems sorted by mathematical complexity, from basic counting and fractions through calculus.
Math Problems by Grade Level
Select the grade band for the kinds of problems you are looking for! Note that because the problems are Real-World examples, several different math skills may be required to understand and answer the stated questions.
Beginner (Grades K-4)
Discover real-world space math problems for students, blending foundational math skills to explore our Sun and solar system.
Intermediate (Grades 5-8)
Inspire students with real-world space math! Apply classroom skills to solve problems just like NASA engineers and physicists.
Advanced (Grades 9-12+)
Bridge the gap between classroom math and similar real-world equations used by NASA engineers and physicists.
Math Educator Guides
Comprehensive Educator Guides for Grades K-12+, containing hundreds of math problems spanning the full range of astronomical objects. From our solar system neighborhood, including our Sun, asteroids, and planets, to distant stars, galaxies and black holes.
| Space Math | Grades K-12+ | In this resource, you'll discover a database of over 700 mathematics problems connected…
| Educator Guide | Grades K-12 | Big Idea 1.1 | In this guide, learners explore the mathematics behind eclipses,…
This problem set and educator’s guide from Space Math at NASA features 51 math problems for students grades 6-12+ exploring the simple…
Explore Activities by Grade Level
These mini databases introduce learners to the wonders of the universe through mathematics. Designed for Grades 3-12 educators and students, and built around authentic NASA data, these collections bridge everyday math skills with thrilling real-world astrophysics, allowing classrooms to calculate, measure, and explore the cosmos
This section introduces young learners to the wonders of the universe through foundational mathematics. Designed for elementary school educators and young learners, students will use basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, simple time calculations, and introductory geometry to explore the sizes of…
This section introduces learners to the wonders of the universe through intermediate level mathematics. Designed for middle school educators and students, these activities apply critical math skills, including algebra, data analysis, geometry, proportional reasoning, and scientific notation, to real-world NASA…
This section introduces advanced learners to the wonders of the universe through foundational mathematics. Designed for high school educators and students, from grades 9-12+, these activities apply critical math skills, including algebra, calculus, data analysis, geometry, logarithms, trigonometry, and scientific…
Heliophysics Resource Database
Have you ever wondered how math is used by NASA scientists to make their discoveries? This resource plans to offer over 1000 math problems that reveal the many ways math and science work together to help us understand the universe. Use the guiding questions above to explore resources at each level or go directly to our database to search for resources by level, NGSS performance expectation, topic, and mission.
Resource Database