Format
Introduction:
The presenter will introduce the virtual programs experience and explain guidelines for respectful participation throughout the program.
Orbiting Close:
Our space travel will start on Earth. Students will see the International Space Station up close, before heading to the moon. The presenter may take class feedback on what planets in the solar system to visit.
See the Planets:
The class will travel to at least two planets in the solar system and learn what makes these planets unique.
Into the Cosmos:
The class will observe the stars from a far-away planet, before zooming out, glimpsing the Milky Way Galaxy, black holes, and distant galaxies, before reaching the edge of the known universe.
Return Home:
The presenter will return to Earth and take time for questions from the class.
Objectives
1. Students will make observations about planets and other objects in the cosmos.
2. Students will engage their curiosity and choose places to visit in space.
3. Students will make size comparisons between different celestial objects.
Standards Alignment
State Standards
Connections to Minnesota 2019 Science Standards:
6E.1.1.1.1 Ask questions that arise from observations of patterns in the movement of night sky objects to test the limitations of a solar system model.
6E.2.1.1.1 Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences among features and processes occurring on solar system objects.
6E.3.1.1.1 Develop and use scale models of solar system objects to describe the sizes of objects, the location of objects, and the motion of the objects; and include the role that gravity and inertia play in controlling that motion.
8P.4.1.1.1 Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
9E.2.1.1.1 Analyze data to make a valid scientific claim about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
9E.2.2.1.1 Use mathematical and computational representations to predict the motion of natural and human-made objects that are in orbit in the solar system.
9E.3.2.1.1 Construct an explanation that links astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe to the Big Bang.