Format
Time is allowed throughout the workshop to ask and answer questions. We treat video conferences in the same format as traditional science incursions. Please refer to the supporting .pdf document supplied to you on booking which details all of the pre-class, post-class and during class experiment materials your class will use.
1. The Program beings with a discussion on the order of the planets using an orrery model. We then critique the model in regards to how it doe not match the real solar system at all.
2. We discuss the relative sizes of the Sun vs the Earth and the Moon using demonstrations.
3. We discuss phases of the moon and how these occur using a demonstration
4..We discuss telescope types and what they can observe about the stars using props.
5. We discuss the Big Bang Theory using a student activity as well as a demonstration.
6. We model a rocket launch with a science activity.
7. We discuss how an astronaut suit allows people to survive in space using a vacuum chamber.
8. We discuss the lunar experiments that were performed by the Apollo missions
9. We discuss surviving re-entry to the Earth's atmosphere via a demonstration
10. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
Objectives
Students will gain an appreciation of astronomy and gain insight into our place in the Universe.
Specifically, students will understand that:
- The structure of the solar system
- How the Earth, Sun and Moon interact to produce observable phases of the moon, eclipses and tides
- That the Universe is expanding based on observable evidence, also known as the Big Bang Theory
- That space is hazardous and spacesuits are required for survival
- That experiments are carried out by astronauts when on missions
- That spacecraft need to designed to handle re-entry to the Earth's atmosphere.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
National Science Standards: Grades K-6
U.Unifying Concepts and Processes -
Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.
E.U.1 - Systems, order, and organization-
Systems: A system is an organized group of related objects or components that form a whole. Systems can consist, for example, of organisms, machines, fundamental particles, galaxies, ideas, numbers, transportation, and education. The goal is to help students think and analyze in terms of systems.
E.U.2 - Evidence, Models, and Explanations-
Explanations: Explanations provide interpretation, meaning, or sense to objects, organisms, or events. Explanations incorporate existing scientific knowledge and new evidence from observations, experiments, or models into internally consistent, logical statements, such as hypotheses, laws, principles, and theories. The goal is to help students create explanations which incorporate a scientific knowledge base, logic, and higher levels of analysis.
State Standards
New York State Learning Standards in Science:
Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design-
The central purpose of scientific inquiry is to develop explanations of natural phenomena in a continuing, creative process.
~Students: ask “why” questions in attempts to seek greater understanding concerning objects and events they have observed and heard about. Students should question the explanations they hear from others and read about, seeking clarification and comparing them with their own observations and understandings.
Standard 2: Information Systems-
Information technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information and as a tool to enhance learning.
Students should use a variety of equipment and software packages to enter, process, display, and communicate information in different forms using text, tables, pictures, and sound.
Telecommunicate to a distant location with teacher help.
Standard 4: Physical and Living Environments-
-Investigate differences in personal body characteristics, such as temperature, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and reaction time.
Standard 5: Technology; Engineering Design-
Technological tools, materials, and other resources should be selected on the basis of safety, cost, availability, appropriateness, and environmental impact; technological processes change energy, information, and material resources into more useful forms.
Technological systems are designed to achieve specific- results and produce outputs, such as products, structures, services, energy, or other systems.
Standard 6: Interconnectedness - Common Themes
Through systems thinking, people can recognize the commonalities that exist among all systems and how parts of a system interrelate and combine to perform specific functions.
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.