APS Science Curriculum Unit Planner

Transcription

1 APS Science Curriculum Unit Planner Grade Level/Subject The Solar System Stage 1: Desired Results Enduring Understanding The physical and orbital properties of the Earth and all of the objects that orbit the Sun are regulated by their mass and proximity to the Sun. 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 solar system? Is our solar system unique? What are the different types of objects located in our solar system? What are the different regions in our solar system and where are they located? What is used to differentiate the objects in our solar system? What objects in our solar system, aside from Earth, have been explored either directly, robotically, or indirectly? What makes Earth unique when compared to other objects in our solar system? Knowledge and Skills Students should know: The different objects in our solar system. The characteristics of all the objects in our solar system. Distinguishing characteristics of the 8 planets in the solar system The orbital/physical properties of the inner/terrestrial planets.

2 The orbital/physical properties of the outer/jovian planets. The commonalities between the inner planets. The commonalities between the outer planets. The process of formation of the moon. The properties and features of our moon Which objects in our solar system have moons. How the other objects in our solar system developed moon systems. The unique features in Earth s composition and physical properties that allow life as we know it to exist. There are several geologic, oceanic, and meteorological events that occur on the Earth as well as other planets. How humans have benefited from manned and or robotic space exploration. The reasons why humans should explore the solar system. The difference between a planet and a dwarf planet The debate surrounding Pluto Several of the recent discoveries within the solar system. The orbital and physical properties of objects not considered as planets. The celestial events that occur when objects in the solar system interact with the Earth. How our solar system was created. The time frame in which our solar system was created. The major events that surrounded the creation of our solar system. The extrasolar planets. The processes by which the extrasolar planets are being discovered. Students should be able to: Distinguish between telescopic features of the moon and calculate the circumference of the moon based on photographs. Summarize events of the Apollo space missions and relate them to our understanding of the physical data collected. Demonstrate knowledge of the position of the Earth, Sun and Moon during a Lunar Eclipse and different lunar phases. The student will demonstrate skill in telling time based on the phase and position of the moon. Use a solar system model to plot planetary configurations and determine angular separation as viewed from the Earth. List findings revealed during the Mariner 10 Mission to Mercury and the current Messenger mission. Explain the difficulty of ground based observation of Mercury and the difficulty overcome by Kepler in using this planet for development of planetary motion laws Demonstrate understanding of Kepler's laws of planetary motion. Demonstrate knowledge of the physical characteristics of Venus including its atmosphere and the greenhouse effect as observed by the space program Demonstrate knowledge of the Earth and why it is unique and supports life. This includes the significance of water and carbon cycles as well as plate tectonics, tides, and the ozone layer. Contrast the physical characteristics and motions of Mars with those of Earth. The student will relate the history of the search for extraterrestrial life on Mars. Relate theories on the formation of the asteroid belt and identify its location. List characteristics and satellites of each of the gas giant planets and their motions to include discoveries made by space probes. Students will demonstrate techniques used to determine

3 masses of objects using satellite rotational data. Defend why Pluto is a dwarf planet based on current definitions of a planet and dwarf planet Identify objects that are deemed as dwarf planets Explain cometary dynamics using the Oort Cloud Theory of cometary genesis and to relate the physical aspects of comets. Demonstrate knowledge of the origin, age, and composition of meteoroids and the investigatory techniques used to discover them. 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 7-15; 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; Patterns in the Solar System (Exercise 18); Applications and Investigations in Earth Science; Tarbuck, Lutgens, and Pinzke; 3rd Edition; 2000; Planet Positions (Exercise 19); Applications and Investigations in Earth Science; Tarbuck, Lutgens, and Pinzke; 3rd Edition; 2000; The Sun and Moon (Exercise 20); Applications and Investigations in Earth Science; Tarbuck, Lutgens, and Pinzke; 3rd Edition; 2000; Retrograde Motion Lab Scaled Planetary Distances Lab Orbit of Mercury Lab Impact Craters 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:

5 Astronomy Sites: More Astronomy Sites: Websites for Astronomy Teachers: Astronomy Online Labs Messenger Website Astronomy Flashlets NASA Educators Activities APS Science 2012 Videos A Closer Look at Space: The Planets [20:00] After watching this video, students will understand that the solar system is comprised of the eight planets, dwarf planets, their moons, and other objects in the sky and that scientists divide the planets into two categories outer planet and inner planets. They then discover important facts that distinguish each planet. And finally we learn how science and technology has helped us discover more about the planets and our solar system. Discovery Streaming Cosmic Collisions [29:28] This video uses NASA footage and 3-D animation to discuss the subject of cosmic collisions. Meteoroids, meteors, meteorites, comets and asteroids are all described and compared. Past collisions on earth are presented as well as plans to deal with possible future collisions. From the extinction of dinosaurs to the Jupiter impact, students will see how cosmic collisions have influenced planets and moons throughout our solar system. Discovery Streaming Space Exploration: Our Solar System [31:21] "Part I: The Inner Planets" traces the development of our solar system. It describes the sun and the four inner planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Using video footage from NASA, computer-generated graphics, and animations, the planets are described and contrasted. "Part II: The Outer Planets" begins outside the asteroid belt. The huge outer planets are presented and compared. NASA footage from satellite fly-bys helps to show these exciting worlds. Distances in space are incredible, and even within our own solar system, they are beyond imagination. An attempt is made to help students appreciate these great distances with various comparisons and models. Discovery Streaming 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 Preparing the Saturn 5 Rocket (06:30), Discovery Streaming Testing the Lunar Module (02:14), Discovery Streaming

6 The Tragedy of Apollo 1 (03:32), Discovery Streaming Apollo 9 Mission (03:12), Discovery Streaming Apollo 11 Liftoff (03:31), Discovery Streaming The Beginning of a Perfect Mission Apollo 13 (02:33), Discovery Streaming Moving to the Lunar Capsule - Apollo 13 (03:14), Discovery Streaming Joyful Homecoming Apollo 13 (03:27), Discovery Streaming Apollo 17: Final Lunar Mission (04:09), Discovery Streaming Field Trips Arlington Public Schools Planetarium National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC APS Science 2012 Other Building a Radio Telescope (Project Jove) Operating and collecting data using a Radio Telescope (Project Jove) Analyzing data from a Radio Telescope (Project Jove) Sharing data online with other schools operating a Project Jove radio telescope (Project Jove)