CA State Standards:
1. Demonstrate how astronomy and planetary exploration are used to establish the solar system’s structure, scale, and change over time.
. Explore various cultural and historical views of astronomy.
. Compare and contrast the sun, the terrestrial planets, and the gas planets.
. Analyze the evidence used by scientists to determine the age of the solar system.
. Create a model of the universe that depicts that galaxies are made of billions of stars and account for most of its visible mass.
Week 1: The Cultural Significance of Astronomy
Videos:
- The Maya and Astronomy
- Watch the videos and record your responses on the worksheet provided by Ms. Abegaze
WebQuests:
- Ancient Observatories: Chaco Canyon
- Astronomy in Ancient Egypt
- Record your answers on the worksheet provided by Ms. Abegaze
Essay Question:
What similarities exist between the Mayan and Egyptian cultures? Were you aware of these similarities before this lesson? Do you think it's important for members of your community to learn about these historical similarities? Explain your answer.
Week 2 Assignments
Assignment 1:
Review the fundamentals of astronomy
Trackstar # 333104
Assignment 2:
*Step 1. Go to: www.brainpop.com
-Username: advisory2
-password: hsra
*Step 2. Watch the following videos:
a) Solar System
b) Big Bang
*Step 3. After watching the videos, take the graded quiz. Write down the questions and answers on a sheet of paper.
Assignment 3:
Complete the astronomical scales activity sheet in class.
Week 3 Assignments
Rough draft of the NASA Exploration Podcast
You will work alone or in small groups (your choice) to create a podcast to enter a national contest sponsored by NASA. The podcast will be a response to the question:
"What do you think is NASA’s greatest exploration achievement in the past 50 years and why?"
* Step 1: Click here to complete the trackstar questions on podcasting.
*Step 2: Click here to review the contest guidelines.
* Step 3: Visit NASA's website by clicking here.
Select one mission that has occurred in the past 50 years that you would like to create your podcast on.
*Step 4: Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper to help you develop your script:
1) What is the name of the mission you’ve chosen?
2) Why did you choose this mission?
3) Who was involved in this mission? (ie-astronauts, government agencies, funders…)
4) When did this mission take place?
5) What was the purpose of this mission? Were the objectives met?
6) How did this mission help to further the field of space exploration?
7) Do you think space exploration is important?
8)Should the US government continue to devote national resources to space exploration?
Explain your answers!
*Step 5: Use the answers from your questions above as well as information from at least two other sources (internet, books, magazines etc.) to create a script for your podcast. It should be approximately 2-3 minutes long. You will record the script in the studio and put it on your iMovie as an audio track.
Week 4 Assignment:
Fill out the brainstorm/storyboard worksheet provided by Ms. Abegaze. You must have your storyboard approved before you can begin creating your iMovie.
Ms. Abegaze will provide you with an iMovie tutorial to familiarize you with this program.
Click here to view the PowerPoint.
Week 5-6 Assignment:
Create your podcast using iMovie. You will be graded using the rubric provided by Ms. Abegaze. Have fun, be creative, and please don't hesitate to ask for assistance!
