UNIT- Exploring the Universe
Introduction
As the advancement of technology has rapidly accelerated over the past few
centuries, humankind has been forced to change many of their fundamental views on
our place in the cosmos. However, the more we have learned about our Universe,
the more obvious it becomes that there is so much still to learn – the more answers
we discover, the more questions we know how to ask. Yet we continue to ask them.
Though the costs – both financial and philosophical – of our questioning continue to
skyrocket, the benefits gained by the experience are equally as astronomical.
The Exploring the Universe unit aims to:
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extend the students’ understanding of the connection between our solar
system and other elements of the wider universe
introduce the students to some of the cutting-edge science being used by the
astronomical community to further understand that universe
give the students an appreciation of the enormous difficulties faced when
trying to explore the universe and the compelling reasons why we still persist
KEY SKILLS
The Key Skills that students will improve during the completion of this unit
are:
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Knowledge of cosmic phenomena both within and outside our solar system
including- galaxies, black holes, supernova, stars, etc.
Key theories of the creation of the universe and how the theories came aboutThe Big Bang theory
The size of our universe and units used to measure such vast quantities
Scientific and technological advances in space exploration
KEY KNOWLEDGE
The Key Knowledge that students will gain from this unit include:
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Defining and using designated astronomical terminology appropriately
Using the theory learnt in the unit to predict problems and then solve them
Conducting practical investigations in both the school
Recording and interpreting experimental results
Time management and meeting deadlines
Effective research and presentation (oral) skills
KEY TERMS
The Key Terms that students will become familiar with the definition and
spelling of during this unit are:
solar system
Red shift
Universe
astronomical
Doppler effect
Big bang
Frequency
gaseous
Radio
telescope
Virtual reality
Light year
galaxy
planet
supernova
Star
stromatolite
Crater
(micro)gravity
Electromagnetic radiation
AU - Astronomical unit
UNIT RESOURCES AVAILABLE
 “The size stars”- Youtube video
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Science Links 4 Chapter 5
Range of DVDs- Cosmic Collisions, Birth of the Universe, A Traveller’s
Guide to the Planets
POSSIBLE ASSESSMENT TASKS INCLUDE:
1. Oral presentation on a topic of student’s choice
2. Construction of engine-powered rockets- Evaluation/Analysis of
success of design;
3. Practical Report- Calculation of height of rocket using inclinometers
POSSIBLE PRACTICAL TASKS:
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Launching student made rockets
Demonstration of the Expansion of the Universe- Science Links 4
Water Rockets- Science Dimensions 4