Format
No materials needed besides a way to interact remotely.
Objectives
Overview
Our program is designed to take place in three parts.
Program Sequence
Lesson 1: Science, Astronomy, and the Great Basin Observatory
In this lesson we invite students to think about the different types of science and scientists. We address the reasons astronomers study space, the tools and telescopes we use, and the importance of preserving our night skies from light pollution.
Lesson 2: Gravity and Motions in Space
This lesson begins by asking students to think about the Earth and other planets in our Solar System. Then discuss gravity, provide students a chance to understand the motions governing our universe through a Solar System simulation.
Lesson 3: Black Holes and Q&A
This lesson will begin by reinforcing the laws of gravity from Lesson 2 and then continue with a short introduction to black holes. Most of the time will be reserved for questions from students, on anything covered in these lessons, on how to become a scientist, or just anything they are curious about regarding space.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
ESS1A 6-8 -- The universe and its stars
ESS1B 6-8 -- Earth and the solar system
PS2A 3-5 -- Forces and motion
PS2A 6-8 -- Forces and motionNext Generation Science Standards
MS-ESS1-2 - Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions
within galaxies and the Solar System.
MS-ESS1-3 - Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the
Solar System.
MS-PS2-4 - Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that
gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting
objects.
5-PS2-1 - Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
5-ESS3-1 - Obtain and combine ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.