The Structure And Composition of the Universe


Introduction

Learning Objectives

Core Topics

Additional Topics

Relevance

Required Student Work

Calendar

Technology Resources


Introduction

This unit is based on the California Science standards for 8th Grade that deals primarily with what we know about the matter the makes up the matter of our universe and how it got to be in the form that we observe today. Because of the way this standard is written we must combine several science disciplines to address the framework adequately.

These areas of science include, but are not limited to, Chemistry, Newtonian Mechanics, Astronomy, Astrometry, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics, and to be thorough, Modern Physics/Relativity.

After completing this unit students should be able to demonstrate competency in the standards listed.

They should also have a sound understanding of the complex nature of this subject. A statement repeated by many great scientist regarding these topics best states the result of understanding our knowledge of this subject:

"The more we know and learn humbles us with the knowledge of how little we really know!"

That realization fuels many scientists lifelong quest to expand their understanding of our existence while providing the comfort that they will never run out of things to wonder.

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Learning Objectives

California Standards

Standard Set 2 Forces

        2.g. Students know the role of gravity in forming and maintaining the shapes of planets, stars and the solar system.

 

 

Standard Set 4 - The structure and composition of the universe

The structure and composition of the universe can be learned from studying stars and galaxies and their evolution. As a basis for understanding this concept:

a. Students know galaxies are clusters of billions of stars and may have different shapes.

b. Students know that the Sun is one of many stars in the Milky Way galaxy and that stars may differ in size, temperature, and color.

c. Students know how to use astronomical units and light years as measures of distances between the Sun, stars, and Earth.

d. Students know that stars are the source of light for all bright objects in outer space and that the Moon and planets shine by reflected sunlight, not by their own light.

e. Students know the appearance, general composition, relative position and size, and motion of objects in the solar system, including planets, planetary satellites, comets, and asteroids originally thought to be stars are now known to be distant galaxies.

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Core Topics

top - Overview - Learning Objectives - Core Topics - Additional Topics - Relevance - Required Student Work - Calendar - Resources


Additional Topics

  • Space travel & Exploration

  • Extraterrestrial Life

  • Relativity

  • Cosmic Mysteries

  • Space Related Careers

  • Value of Space Research & Exploration

  • The Future

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Relevance

top - Overview - Learning Objectives - Core Topics - Additional Topics - Relevance - Required Student Work - Calendar - Resources


Required Student Work

  • Reading

see calendar

  • Homework

Astronomy Packet 1

  • Project

SPACE TRAVEL BROCHURE

  • Quizzes

  • Exams

LAUSD ASSESSMENT

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Calendar

top - Overview - Learning Objectives - Core Topics - Additional Topics - Relevance - Required Student Work - Calendar - Resources


Technology Resources

NASA Celestia Virtual Universe

  • Tutorials

Windows to the Universe

Webstars

CASS Astronomy Tutorial

Astronomy Course from the University of Tennessee

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