Connecticut
Technical High School
System
Astronomy
2011-2012
Astronomy
CTHSS
1
Trimester 1
Goal: Safety
Content - Overview of Lab and Safety protocols.
Essential Questions
� Why is laboratory safety important?
# of
Day
s
2
Objectives
State and apply general
science safety rules
Know the location of and
the proper use of safety
equipment: goggles,
gloves, aprons, eyewash,
shower, fire extinguisher,
and fire blanket.
Expected Performances
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
Students will safely perform
lab work in a manner
consistent with accepted
safety standards.
Science Safety Rules
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
P-Project W-Worksheets
Media Resources
Disc.Ed.- Discovery Education Video
V - YouTube.com
A- Safety Symbols
P- Safety Poster (8x10”)
Earn 100% on Safety test
(test to be kept on file)
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
Disc.Ed.- Lab Safety Video
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index
.cfm?guidAssetId=d21859da-16d9-4e17-aa1ff267d4e3415b&blnFromSearch=1&productco
de=HUB
sign on with personal name and password
V-Safety Rap w/words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJG0ir9n
Dtc
Astronomy
CTHSS
2
Note: Depending on the Edition of the Arny Textbook that is used, the first listed Chap.in this column is from the 4th Edition, and the second Chap is from
the 6th Edition
Goal: Students will understand the origins of Astronomy and Earth’s position in the Universe
Essential Questions
How has Astronomy changed through the ages?
� How does the size of the Earth compare with the Universe?
Why is an understanding of gravity and Laws of Motion are important in the field of astronomy?
# of
Day
s
Objectives
2
-Identify technological
advancements made in the
ancient, renaissance and
modern periods of
astronomy.
List the advancements
that relate to each period.
-Explain why scientists
believed the earth was the
center of the universe.
Compare and contrast
geocentric and heliocentric
theories.
3
4
-Explain the types of units
of measurement used for
vast distances.
-Explain how Gravity and
Laws of Motion are
important in the field of
Astronomy.
Expected Performances
Define astronomical unit and
light year and relate to when
they are used as units.
Identify the factors that
define gravity.
1
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
Preview: Cosmic
Landscape
Chap. 1 or 2
https://www.windows2universe.
org/the_universe/uts/archeoastr
onomy.html
Project-Create a scale model
of the solar system.
Preview
Chap 2 or 3
http://placyer.discoveryeducation.com
/index.cfm?guidAssetId=418A1C9AE1ED-4769-B4509EBF4DF4DE30&blnFromSearch=1&pr
oductcode=US
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
DVD (powers of 10) “Cosmic
Voyage”
DVD “Infinite Cosmos”
Astronomy
CTHSS
Explain Newton’s Three Laws
of Motion.
1
Chap 2 or 3
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
3
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/f
oreducators/diypodcast/rocketscience-index-diy.html
Astronomy
CTHSS
4
Goal: Students will understand the origins of Astronomy and Earth’s position in the Universe
Essential Questions
� Why are different types of telescopes needed for astronomical research?
# of
Day
s
2
Objectives
-Identify why different
types of telescopes are
needed to be used by
astronomers
-Explain Dark Adaptation
Expected Performances
Compare and contrast the
types of telescopes
astronomers use.
Describe how the eye
reacts to darkness and
how it impacts viewing
through a telescope.
1
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
Essay 1 Backyard
Astronomy
Essay 1 Backyard
Astronomy
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
Astronomy
CTHSS
5
Goal: Students will understand how Gravity and motion affect the Earth, Moon Sun System.
Essential Questions
� What causes Earths’ Seasons?
Explain why we see different constellations at different times of the year?
# of
Day
s
Objectives
Expected Performances
2
-Explain Earth’s Seasons
based on its’ tilt of its’ axis
and orbit around the Sun.
Compare and contrast the
amount of direct sunlight
the Earth receives at
different locations in its’
orbit around the Sun.
Chap 1
2
-Explain how the Earth’s
location in its’ orbit around
the Sun changes the
length of day and night.
Define a solstice and equinox
and differentiate types of
equinoxes.
Chap 1
2
-Describe the parts of the
Celestial sphere.
Identify the coordinates of
the Celestial sphere, RA and
DEC, Zenith, ecliptic, celestial
equator, zodiac and celestial
poles..
Essay 1 Backyard
Astronomy
Explain the relationship
between the Sun, Ecliptic and
Zodiac Constellations.
Essay 1 Backyard
Astronomy
Explain the difference
between a constellation
and an asterism.
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
P-Project W-Worksheets
Media Resources
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/Seasons_
Nav.swf::Seasons Interactive
P- Create a childrens book
about a constellation
appropriate for grades 3-5.
Identify the Big Dipper and
the Little Dipper and
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
Astronomy
CTHSS
constellations that are
located within the Zodiac.
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
6
Astronomy
CTHSS
7
Goal: Students will understand how Gravity and motion affect the Earth, Moon Sun System.
Essential Questions
� How does the orbital motion of the Moon cause phases of the Moon?
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon?
# of
Day
s
Objectives
3
-Identify the 8 phases of
the Moon and what causes
them.
2
-Describe the Moon’s
movement around the
Earth.
Expected Performances
List the phases of the
Moon based on the
Moon’s orbital motion.
Compare and contrast the
rotation and revolution of
the Moon.
1
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
Chap 1
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
P- create Flip Book
Chap 1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/Lunar_Na
v.swf::Lunar Phases Interactive
http://www.discoveryeducation.
com/teachers/free-lessonplans/telling-time-by-the-light-ofthe-moon.cfm
Astronomy
CTHSS
8
Trimester 2
Goal: Students will understand the Earth and Moon and the Dynamics between them.
Essential Questions
� How does the orbital motion of the Moon affect the life on Earth?
What combination of characteristics does Earth have that makes life possible?
How is the composition of the Moon similar to Earth?
# of
Day
s
Objectives
Expected Performances
2
-Explain how Lunar and
Solar Eclipses occur
Compare and contrast
Lunar and Solar Eclipses
2
-Explain how the orbital
location of the Moon and
rotation of the Earth affects
tides
Describe how tides are
formed on Earth.
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
Chap 6 or 7
Describe the impact on Earth
as a result of Tidal Braking.
4
-Identify the characteristics
that make life possible on
Earth
List the characteristics that
make life possible on Earth.
Chap 5 or 6
-size and composition
-seismic activity/plate
Tectonics
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/Eclipses_
Nav.swf::Eclipse Interactive
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/educati
on/powerpoints/phases_eclipses.
ppt
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/educati
on/powerpoints/earth_moon_st
atistics.ppt
Astronomy
CTHSS
-Gravity
-Magnetic Field
-Structure of the Atmosphere
-Oceans
-precession
Added:
Describe the Impact theory.
1
How does the composition
of the Moon support the
Impact Formation Theory
http://player.discoveryeducatio
n.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=0
0D7AD99-DC5C-4E45-AAFFCCA30070645F&blnFromSearch
=1&productcode=US
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
9
DVD: “Origins”
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/educati
on/powerpoints/moon_formatio
n_processes.ppt
Astronomy
CTHSS
10
Goal: Survey of the Solar System.
Essential Questions
� What Our Solar System comprised of?
# of
Day
s
3
Objectives
-Describe the planets and
their positions in the solar
system?
Expected Performances
-Complete suggested
worksheet
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
Chap 7 or 8
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
P – Travel Brochure
-Compare and contrast
Terrestrial and Jovian
Planets
1
Explain why Pluto is no
longer considered a planet.
-Compare and contrast a
planet and a Dwarf Planet
2
-Describe what other
objects are found in Our
Solar System.
-Compare and contrast
Asteroids, Comets and
Meteors
Describe the locations of
the Ort Cloud, Kuiper Belt
and Asteroid Belt in our
Solar System.
Draw a diagram indicating
the location of the Ort Cloud,
Kuiper Belt and Asteroid Belt
with respect to the Solar
Sysem.
1
1
http://msclarkmoore.com/astronomy/downlo
ads/planets.pdf
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/Gravity_N
av.swf::Gravity Variations
Interactive
Chap 7 or 8
Asteroid Lab (Carol Ruel or
Chris White)
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
DVD: “Origins”
Astronomy
CTHSS
11
Goal: Students will understand the role that the Electromagnetic Spectrum plays in exploring the Universe.
Essential Questions
� What is the nature of light?
What is the visible Spectrum?
What other types of radiation are included in the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
How do Astronomers use the Electromagnetic Spectrum to analyze temperature and composition of Astronomical objects?
# of
Day
s
3
Objectives
-Explain the Nature of
Light.
Expected Performances
Describe the waveparticle duality model.
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
Chap 3 or 4
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
P-Project W-Worksheets
Media Resources
Demo – generating waves
with a string or spring.
Define a photon
2
3
-Explain the Visible
Spectrum
List the parts of a wave and
explain how wavelength is
related to color
-Explain how light is
related to energy.
Describe the relationship
between wavelength and
energy (temperature)
CL- Flame test
Compare and contrast
electromagnetic wavelengths
outside of the visible
spectrum
2
-Explain how Blackbodies
are both excellent
Describe the properties of a
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satm
et/modules/spectrum/spectrum
.html
http://www.colorado.edu/physi
cs/2000/waves_particles/lightsp
eed_evidence.html Go to the
Table of Contents to use specific
areas of interest
http://www.science.hq.nasa.gov
/kids/imagers/ems/radio.html
Astronomy
2
2
1
CTHSS
absorbers and emitters of
energy.
Blackbody.
-Explain how atoms absorb
and emit energy
Describe the movement of
electrons a atoms
Explain how the chemical
composition of celestial
bodies is determined.
Describe how emission and
absorption line spectra are
used to identify elements
Explain how astronomers
measure the speed and
direction of celestial
objects.
Describe the Doppler Shift
12
Demo Spectral Tubes
Buzzer and whiffle ball
demo
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::535::365::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/220727/Blackbod
y_Nav.swf::Blackbody Radiation
Interactive
Energy release, Arny Interactive
Absorption, Arny Interactive
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/Doppler_
Nav.swf::Doppler Shift
Interactive
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
Astronomy
CTHSS
13
Trimester 3
Goal: Students will understand the Dynamics of the Sun.
Essential Questions
� What is the structure and function of the Sun?
What is the life cycle of a star?
What is an Exoplanet (Extra Solar Planet)?
# of
Day
s
3
Objectives
Expected Performances
-Explain the structure of
the Sun.
List the parts of the Sun.
-Explain how the Sun works
Describe the type of
reaction that occurs on
the Sun
Describe sunspots,
magnetic fields and flares.
-Explain the results of the
Sun’s Solar Magnetic
Activity
1
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
Chap 11 or 12
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
Astronomy
Analyze an HR diagram
Identify the Spectral class
and magnitude of a star.
Explain the evolution of a
star based on its’ mass
Identify the steps of a star
from birth to depth based
on its’ mass
2
6
CTHSS
14
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::535::365::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/59229/HR_Nav.s
wf::H-R Diagram
DVD: “Infinite Cosmos”
Compare and contrast White
Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and
Black Holes.
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/Neutron_
Nav.swf::Neutron Stars
Interactive
DVD: “Origins”
Chap 7 or 8
Describe an Exoplanet.
List the characteristics of an
Exoplanet.
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/78778/ExtraSolar
_Nav.swf::Extra%20Solar%20Pla
nets%20Interactive
Astronomy
CTHSS
15
Goal: Students will be able to understand the differences between galaxies.
Essential Questions
� Explain the types of galaxies in the Universe?
What makes a Galaxy Active?
# of
Day
s
Objectives
2
Describe the main types of
galaxies.
Expected Performances
Compare and contrast
elliptical, spiral and
irregular galaxies.
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
Chap 16 and 17
Science Channel: “Galaxies”
Sketch the galaxy sub
classes of spiral and
elliptical galaxies.
1
Explain what happens when
galaxies collide or merge.
Define galactic cannibalism.
1
Explain why Dark Matter is
important.
Explains discrepancies from
observed results
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::100%::100%::/sites/dl
/free/0073512176/78778/Dark
Matter_Nav.swf::Dark Matter
Interactive
Astronomy
2
2
CTHSS
Explain the types of Active
Galaxiesand the reason
they are Active.
Compare and contrast Radio,
Seyfert and Quasar Galaxies
and explain what makes
them Active.
Explain the types of Galaxy
Clusters.
Compare and contrast the
Local Group, Rich and Poor
Galaxies and Super Clusters.
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
16
Astronomy
CTHSS
17
Goal: Students will be able to understand the structure and evolution of the Universe as a whole.
Essential Questions
� How did the Universe begin?
How do we know that the Universe is expanding?
How do we know the age of the Universe?
# of
Day
s
Objectives
Expected Performances
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
P-Project W-Worksheets
Media Resources
1
Explain the prevailing
theory as to how the
Universe began.
Describe the Big Bang.
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.c
gi?it=swf::535::365::/sites/dl/fre
e/0073512176/59229/Cosmo_N
av.swf::Cosmology
1
Explain how the Universe is
expanding.
Interpret Hubble’s Law to
explain the Expansion of
the Universe.
Balloon demo if you can
understand it! C Leonowich
1
Explain the age of the
Universe.
Interpret Hubble’s
Constant to explain the
age of the Universe.
1
Explain Cosmic Horizon
Define Cosmic Horizon (Edge)
DVD: “Origins”
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
Astronomy
CTHSS
18
**Extra Material if Time Allows
Goal: Students will be introduced to U.S. space exploration.
Essential Questions
�
# of
Day
s
Objectives
Learn about space
exploration throughout
time.
Expected Performances
Research and present a
power point to the class
on a topic regarding space
exploration.
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
P- Research and create a
power point about a chosen
topic regarding space
exploration.
CL-Space Shuttle Glider
1
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/
index.html
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/
foreducators/topnav/materials/l
istbytype/Space.Shuttle.Glider.h
tml
Astronomy
CTHSS
19
Goal:
Essential Questions
�
# of
Day
s
Objectives
Expected Performances
1
Textbook Alignment/
Connected Reading
Topic/Section/pp.
(Suggested Resources)
(Suggested Resources)
CL-Connected Labs
Media Resources
P-Project W-Worksheets
Textbook ~ Explorations - Arny/Schneider/4th thru 6th/McGraw Hill