UNIT 5
SPACE EXPLORATION
The Changing Human Understanding of Earth and Space
Our understanding in science changes with technology advancements.
The things you see in the sky (the Sun, the Moon, stars and constellations, planets, eclipses, a comet,
a meteor, or the aurora borealis) have been observed since the beginning of time. They have fueled
the human imagination.
Different cultures over time have had different legends, folklore and explanations for what they see.
Canadian First Nations
Greeks
Ancient Egyptians
Mayans
Celts
People have always sought ways of explaining the motions of the night sky.
Assignment:
Choose a culture above and research their early understanding of Earth and Space.
Your report must be presented as a small poster on a sheet of construction paper.
You are to include the following:
 A brief description of the people and where they are located on the map
 A summary of what they believed in terms of the night sky and the universe, making special
note of what they believe about special events such as solstice, eclipses, comets etc.
 How what they believed about the universe affected their lives
 Some pictures from the internet of sacred sites and symbols
Rubric:
5 – Excellent
4 – Good work
3.5 –
3 – Below
2- Limited,
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
unacceptable
Poster is of excellent
quality, well
designed, creative
and communicates
the information
well. All the
requirements are
included. It
demonstrates that
you understand
different cultural
and historical
perspectives on
earth and space.
Poster is of good
quality but lacks that
pizzazz necessary for
top marks. Perhaps
more thought
should be given to
communicating the
information. All the
requirements are
included.
Poster is satisfactory
but definitely lack in
some areas: quality
and/or design etc.
The information
presented is not
clear and concise
and only
communicates to
the audience in a
satisfactory way.
Poster only barely
meets the standard
requirements.
Poster does not
meet acceptable
standards.
- Example On Back –
(Yours can be this organized, or it can be more of a collage like the exemplars)
UNIT 5
SPACE EXPLORATION
NAME OF CULTURE
DESCRIPTION OF CULTURE
- Characteristic
- Characteristic
- Characteristic
- Characteristic
SUMMARY OF BELIEFS
- Belief
- Belief
- Belief
- Belief
- Belief
EFFECTS ON LIVES OF THOSE IN THE CULTURE
-
Effect
Effect
Effect
Effect
PICTURES
Caption
Caption
Caption
UNIT 5
SPACE EXPLORATION
Curriculum Rationale
1) Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space has depended on
technological development
• identify different ideas about the nature of Earth and space, based on culture and science(e.g.,
describe Aboriginal views of space and those of other cultures; describe the role of observation in
guiding scientific understanding of space)