Topic C: Sky Science: Students learn about objects in the day and night sky. Through direct observation and research, students learn about the motions and characteristics of stars, moons and planets. Using simple materials, such as balls and beads, students create models and diagrams which they use to explore the relative position and motion of objects in space. As a result of these studies, students move from a simple view of land and sky, to one that recognizes Earth as a sphere in motion within a larger universe. With new understanding, students revisit the topics of seasonal cycles, phases of the Moon and the apparent motion of stars. (AB ED Science POS)
Guiding Question: How does the constellations change season to season, how does the Moon change throughout the month, and how do the stars move?
Introduction -
How small are we in the scale of the universe?
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The Big Dipper
Science Outcomes: 6–7.2. I can describe the location and movement of individual stars and groups of stars (constellations) as they move through the night sky. 3. I can recognize that the apparent movement of objects in the night sky is regular and predictable, and I can explain how this apparent movement is related to Earth's rotation.
ELA Outcomes: 3.2.1.1 Select and Process - Use a variety of sources - I can locate information to answer research questions 3.3 Organize, Record and Evaluate - Organize information - I can organize and develop ideas and information into a slide presentation with introductions that interest audiences and state the topic, sections that develop the topic and conclusions. 4.3 Present and Share - I can present information 5.1 Respect Others and Strengthen Community - Relate texts to culture - I can identify ways in which oral, print and other media texts from diverse cultures and communities explore similar ideas
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Your mission: You will research the asterism(group of stars) "Big Dipper"
Mission Check List:
- Introduction
- each section is clearly indicated
- What is the Big Dipper, is it a constellation? What other names is it known by (please note you need to find two)
- What constellation is the Big Dipper part of?
- What stars are part of this asterism?
- Where is it found? - be specific (the sky is not specific)
- How does it move in the sky?
- What is Polaris and how do you use the Big Dipper to locate it?
- Is there any legends, myths or stories linked to Ursa Major? Hint: you will find some - when you do you must...
- Summarize the stories in your own words - this must be a thorough summary
- images for the Big Dipper in each of the four seasons
- Tell me more: find two other facts I have not asked about
Some websites that might be helpful with your research:
Instruction Sheet:
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Rubric:
skysciencebigdipperrubric.pdf | |
File Size: | 54 kb |
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7-6. 1. Recognize that the Sun and stars emit the light by which they are seen and that most other bodies in space, including Earth’s Moon, planets and their moons, comets, and asteroids, are seen by reflected light.
Why Does the Moon Shine?
Lesson: Reach for the Stars
6.7. 2 &3: I can describe the location and movement of individual stars and groups of stars (constellations) as they move through the night sky. I can recognize that the apparent movement of objects in the night sky is regular and predictable, and explain how this apparent movement is related to Earth’s rotation.
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Lesson: I'm Late, I'm Late, I'm Late for a very Important Date
6.7.5. Construct and use a device for plotting the apparent movement of the Sun over the course of a day; e.g., construct and use a sundial or shadow stick.
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Lesson: Turn, Turn, Turn - To Everything There is a Season
6-7.6. I can describe seasonal changes in the length of the day and night and in the angle of the Sun above the horizon.
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Lesson: Earth, Third Rock from the Sun
6-7.9 - I can recognize that the other eight known planets, which revolve around the Sun, have characteristics and surface conditions that are different from Earth; and identify examples of those differences.
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Lesson: Many Moons Ago
6-7 - 9 & 10. I can recognize that the other eight known planets, which revolve around the Sun, have characteristics and surface conditions that are different from Earth; and identify examples of those differences. I can recognize that not only Earth, but other planets, have moons; and identify examples of similarities and differences in the characteristics of those moons.
Your Mission: Create a trading card
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Lesson: It's Just a Phase
7. I can recognize that the Moon’s phases are regular and predictable, and describe the cycle of its phases.
8. I can illustrate the phases of the Moon in drawings and by using improvised models. An improvised model might involve such things as a table lamp and a sponge ball.
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