APS Science Curriculum Unit Planner

Transcription

1 APS Science Curriculum Unit Planner Grade Level/Subject The Stars Stage 1: Desired Results Enduring Understanding Stars are similar to living organisms in that the materials they are made out of and the processes they undergo are uniform, but they are all not physically alike and are continually undergoing development and maturing processes that alter their physical and orbital properties. Correlations Unifying Understanding VA SOL NSES (grade level) 1. Humans use science to organize their understanding of the natural world. 2. Our universe is composed of various forms of matter and energy that exist, interact, and change in a variety of ways. 3. Form and composition are related to function. 5. Change is constant. 6. Patterns and cycles exist in nature. 7. Motion is a function of force. N/A Content Standard A Content Standard B Content Standard D Content Standard E Content Standard G Essential Questions What is a star? What makes stars different from each other? How are stars created? Why do stars form? What properties are used to measure and observe stars? How do astronomers classify stars? What can we learn by combining information about the temperatures and luminosities of the stars? How do stars change over time? Why do stars evolve? Why do some stars become black holes? How are Einstein s laws of relativity used when exploring stars? Knowledge and Skills

2 Students should know: The composition of stars. Stars are made up of the same elements found on Earth and behave according to the same physical principles. How stars are catalogued and organized. How stars are named. The reasons why stars twinkle. The major physical properties of stars. The difference between absolute and apparent magnitude. Different methods for calculating the distances to stars Which method to use to calculate a star s distance from the Earth. The types of motions a star undergoes. How to determine the temperature of stars. The spectral classification of stars. How stellar diameters are measured and described. The H-R Diagram and what its purpose is. Where stars come from. What initiates star formation. The stages a low mass star (the Sun) proceeds through during its evolution and existence. The stages a high mass star proceeds through during its evolution and existence. The differences in the evolution between high and low mass stars. Why mass influences the fate of stars. The difference between a planetary nebula and a nebula. The events that occur to high mass stars as they finish consuming their allotted, finite amounts of Hydrogen. Why hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe while elements like gold are rare. The characteristics of black holes. How special and general relativity is related to space and black holes. The characteristics of stellar recycling. Students should be able to: Use spectroscopes to investigate emission spectra. Investigate stellar spectra and apply results to temperature, distance, and motions of stars. Identify bright stars of various spectral types and be able to state their approximate temperature. Differentiate between absolute and apparent magnitude and use the inverse square law of light to determine the distance to stars using mathematical reasoning. Construct an HR Diagram, labeling axis, and stellar groups. Students will use this diagram to determine the distance to a star using its apparent magnitude and spectral type. Demonstrate use of the HR Diagram to show the post main sequence evolution of a star. Define and describe both high and low order nuclear fusion processes. Convert absolute magnitude into apparent magnitude. State criteria which control stellar evolution including mass, temperature, and binary star interactions and cite examples. Demonstrate use of various astronomical units of distance to describe the relative positions of objects in the universe using scientific notation. Use triangulation to determine the distance of an object in units of parsecs and light-years.

3 Demonstrate an understanding of the stages of evolution of stars of different masses and how they appear to us or are detected by us. Investigate and demonstrate understanding of interstellar gas, dust and radiation. Students demonstrate understanding of the importance and use of 21 cm radiation in mapping. Investigate the missing mass problem and relate difficulties encountered in finding a solution. Investigate and describe black holes and how special and general relativity is related to space and black holes. Stage 2: Assessment Evidence Prior Knowledge and Skills SOL The sun is the source of heat and light that warms the land, air, and water; and night and day are caused by the rotation of the Earth. a) the sun is the source of energy and light that warms the land, air, and water; and b) the sun s relative position in the morning is east and in the late afternoon is west. SOL The student will investigate and understand basic patterns and cycles occurring in nature. a) patterns of natural events such as day and night, seasonal changes, simple phases of the moon, and tides; SOL The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of visible light and how it behaves. Key concepts include a) transverse waves; b) the visible spectrum; c) opaque, transparent, and translucent; d) reflection of light from reflective surfaces; and e) refraction of light through water and prisms. SOL The student will investigate and understand that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space; and occurs as a solid, liquid, or gas. a) distinguishing properties of each phase of matter; b) the effect of temperature on the phases of matter; c) atoms and elements; d) molecules and compounds; and e) mixtures including solutions. SOL The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the interactions among the various bodies that comprise it. a) the sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, dwarf planets, meteors, asteroids, and comets; b) relative size of and distance between planets; c) the role of gravity; d) revolution and rotation; e) the mechanics of day and night and the phases of the moon; f) the unique properties of Earth as a planet; g) the relationship of Earth s tilt and the seasons; h) the cause of tides; and i) the history and technology of space exploration SOL PS.7 - The student will investigate and understand temperature scales, heat, and thermal energy transfer. Key concepts include a) Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales and absolute zero;

4 b) phase change, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, vaporization, and condensation; c) conduction, convection, and radiation; and d) applications of thermal energy transfer. SOL PS.11 - The student will investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism. b) relationship between a magnetic field and an electric current; c) electromagnets, motors, and generators and their uses Formative Assessment Informal assessment through observation of students participation in oral questioning; Formal assessment, using grading rubrics, of lab activities, assignments, and projects; Stage 3: Learning Plan Summative Assessment Formal assessment, twice each quarter, using written tests References to Adopted Materials Chapters 18-21; ASTRONOMY: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, John D. Fix, 5th Edition; 2008; Suggested Investigations Starry Night Pro (included with textbook) Astronomical Observations (Exercise 17); Applications and Investigations in Earth Science; Tarbuck, Lutgens, and Pinzke; 3rd Edition; 2000; Stellar Spectra Lab Black Holes Lab Balloon Lifecycle Lab HR Diagram Lab Outdoor Education Applications Trip to APS Outdoor Lab for use of telescopes Use of school telescope on school property Resources Web Sites Textbook Website: Sky and Telescope Websites Listing: Astronomy Websites: NAA s Best Astronomy Websites: Ten Cool Sites (actually many more than 10)...Astronomy: Astronomy Sites: More Astronomy Sites:

5 Websites for Astronomy Teachers: Astronomy Online Labs NASA Educators Activities Stellar Investigation amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/light Imagine the Universe Activities Videos A World in Motion: EMR and the Stars [29:00] Students discover that astronomers use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to explore the universe. They discuss the value of satelliteobserving platforms, explore possible situations to ground-based viewing, and compare images of the same object obtained using different wavelengths. Discovery Streaming Atlas of the Sky [2.5 hrs] Atlas of the Sky contains more than 2 1/2 hours of original movies featuring dramatic, accurate visualizations of astronomical objects and phenomena to enrich your celestial explorations. World-renowned researchers provide up-to-date information on specific objects, their origins, orbital dynamics and fascinating features. ASIN: B0000Y8HJM The Universe - The Complete Season One (History Channel) (2007) [705 mins] Each of the minute episodes begins with a general introduction of subjects ranging from the sun to individual planets, alien galaxies, the search for extra-terrestrial life, and scientific theories like the Big Bang. Each topic is then broken down into a series of segments that detail specific ideas, theories, or components integral to the understanding of the main topic as well as historical material, current studies and theories, and projections of potential future events and scientific advances. The 90- minute "Beyond the Big Bang" feature relates "the story of everything"--from the universe's formation following the "Big Bang" to its eventual projected demise from unchecked expansion dubbed the "Big Rip." ASIN: B000UP881S Solar Power (06:36), Discovery Streaming Global Warming and the Changing Environment (05:59), Discovery Streaming Robotics (08:09), Discovery Streaming Nuclear Power (06:16), Discovery Streaming Electricity (06:49), Discovery Streaming Field Trips Arlington Public Schools Planetarium National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC Other

6 Kirchoffs Laws (University of Washington Astronomy Department) A Web-Based astronomical treasure hunt (University of Washington Astronomy Department)