SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY
JULY 27 - 29, 2009
NS Grade 9 Learning Outcomes
Composition, Characteristics
The Beginnings of the
of the Solar System
Solar System
– Describe the composition and
– Describe and explain
characteristics of the following
components of the solar system:
the apparent motion
• Terrestrial and gas planets and
of celestial bodies
Pluto
• Periodicity of comets
– Describe theories on
• Asteroids and meteors
the formation of the
– Explain the need for new
solar system
evidence in order to continually
test existing theories about the
composition and origin of our
solar system and galaxies
– Describe the effects of solar
phenomena on Earth
NS Grade 9 Learning Outcomes
cont’d.
Composition,
Characteristics of the
Universe
• Describe theories on
the origin and evolution
of the universe
– Big bang theory
– Oscillating theory
• Describe and classify
the major components
of the universe
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Nebulae
Galaxies
Giant and dwarf stars
Quasars and black holes
• Define and explain a light year
• Explain how data from
technology contributes to our
knowledge of the universe
• Compare various stars relative
to our solar system
• Identify new questions and
problems that arise from the
study of space exploration.
• Describe the science
underlying three technologies
designed to explore space
STARS Overview
• 9:00 a.m. to 3:30-4:00 p.m., with breaks for
coffee and lunch.
• Evenings 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (planetarium) and
8:30 to 10:00 p.m. (observatory).
• Each day features small group Q&A session,
short current hot research topics talks with
SMU astronomers.
• Visits to the Data Cave.
Day One - Monday, July 27
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Welcome & introductions
Introduction to IYA, a global celebration
NS grade 9 curriculum links to STI content
Activity: navigating the sky: planispheres, star charts
Speed Session #1
The lives of stars
Activity: Galileoscopes - instrument of discovery
Office Chats/Data Cave #1
Solar system formation, composition
Welcome reception hosted by SMU President Colin
Dodds
• Halifax Planetarium tour (or BGO tour, depending on
weather)
Day Two - Tuesday, July 28
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Galileoscopes and basic telescope optics
speed session # 2
What is astronomy and what is it good for?
Office chats/Data Cave #2
Skyways astronomy handbook for teachers
Observing and measuring solar motion
Effects of solar phenomena on earth
BGO tour (or Halifax Planetarium tour,
depending on weather)
Day Three - Wednesday, July 29
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Galaxies and the Universe
How Big is a Billion?
Speed session #3
Office Visit/Data Cave #3
Open Activity: choose an observing project
Make-up session
Speed session #4 (optional)
All-topic, wrap-up Q & A panel session
Evaluation, feedback
Conclusion, certificates and farewells
Office & Data Cave Rotation
Group
Name
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Charon
Data Cave Office #2
Nix
Office # 1
Data Cave Office # 2
Hydra
Office # 2
Office # 1
Office # 1
Data Cave