Question Moon An Introduction to the Process of Science

Transcription

1 Question Moon An Introduction to the Process of Science Generating Research Ideas Student Guide

2 Question Moon An Introduction to the Process of Science Student Guide Lunar Student Imaging Project (LSIP) Written By: Jessica L. Swann, M.Ed. Edited by: Sheri Klug Boonstra, M.S. Mark Robinson, Ph.D. Leon Manfredi, M.S. Funding provided by: National Aeronautics and Space Agency Science Mission Directorate Brooke Hsu, M.S. LRO Education and Public Outreach Lead Goddard Space Flight Facility 3

3 Question Moon An Introduction to the Process of Science Objective: Create a question and hypothesis about the Moon that can be answered using images taken from orbit. Student Introduction: from Earth s nearest neighbor. your question as you research. The process of science continues with designing an experiment to answer that question and test your hypotheses. Your goals through this lesson are: science you are conducting your research in. detailed research. In 2009, NASA returned to the Moon by sending potential resources for possible human outposts, new technology. 2

4 Student Sheet #1 Questions and Hypotheses Big picture questions are the initial questions a scientist will ask while making Hypotheses Research questions question can be pooled together to determine the best answer to the big picture question. Sometimes the hypothesis and research question are considered to be the same. 3

5 Student Sheet #1 Questions and Hypotheses Giant Impact Hypothesis Example Big Picture Question impact during the early formation of the solar system? Hypothesis #1 If the Moon was formed by a giant impact with Earth during the early formation, then Moon rock samples will show that the Moon s surface was once molten. Hypothesis #2 If the Moon was formed by a giant impact with Earth during the early formation, then the iron core of the Moon will be small. Hypothesis #3 If the Moon was formed by a giant impact with Earth during the early formation, then Moon rocks and the internal layering will show it is less dense than Earth. Research Question Moon show that some areas Hypothesis #1 Using siesmic data, what is the Moon and how does it compare to Earth? Hypothesis #1 Moon rocks and internal layers of the Moon compare to those of Earth? 4

6 Student Sheet #1 Questions and Hypotheses these scenarios looking for the hypothesis and research question. The big picture question has been question may not be written in the form of a question, but more as a statement. Craters on the Moon took pictures of the Moon that showed details not seen through telescopes. The Apollo missions also returned rock samples from the Moon. These samples along with better pictures of the craters Big Picture Question: Hypothesis: Research Question: [NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University] 5

7 Student Sheet #1 Questions and Hypotheses Mare Layers on the Moon: of layering to identify the range in thicknesses of the mare layer. They will then compare them to Big Picture Question: Hypothesis: Research Question: Crater layers Module image of [NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University] [NASA/LPI] 6

8 Student Sheet #2 Identifying the Big Picture Question once. 7

9 Student Sheet #2 Identifying the Big Picture Question that brought you to the question. 8

10 Student Sheet #3 Identifying the Explanations create this list. 9

11 Student Sheet #3 Identifying Explanations with available Tools them. In this case, you can use the JMARS for the Moon to see what types of data can be collected. Take a few minutes to use the JMARS for the Moon tool JMARS for Moon Layer ex: Lat/Lon Grid What will be measured or recorded? 10

12 Student Sheet #3 Identifying the Explanations a possible explanation. As a team you will need to debate among all of the possible explanations, which is the best. This 11

13 Student Sheet #4 Writing a Research Question in the area below. Potential Variables Location Comparisons Characteristics Measurements region similarities shape length distribution differences type diameter relationships texture circumference patterns quantity height 12

14 Student Sheet #4 Writing a Research Question good enough for your team to consider for your research. Question 1: Question 2: Question 2 Evaluation Criteria similarities, differences, relationship, patterns, etc. 13

15 Student Sheet #4 Writing a Research Question Share your research questions with your team. As a team, debate which question would be the best discussions and decisions will help your team select the best and most interesting question to focus on for your research. Final Science Question: Credit: NASA 14

16 Student Sheet #5 Writing a Testable Hypothesis the boxes, your hypothesis should be good enough for your team to consider for your research. Primary Hypothesis Draft: Research Question: Research Hypothesis: Evaluation Criteria similarities, differences, relationship, patterns, etc. 15

17 Student Sheet #5 Writing a Testable Hypothesis If it meets the criteria, share your hypothesis with your team. As a team, debate which hypothesis team discussions and decisions will help your team select the best and most interesting hypothesis to focus on for your research. Final Science Question: Final Research Hypothesis: 16