The Universe
Michele
Ballinger, Gifted Specialist
Columbus City Schools
Columbus, OH
Name__________________________
Goals: Explain the lifecycle of a star and the phases of the moon. Describe how galaxies are formed and constellations within galaxies.
Directions: Choose tasks to complete for each layer. You must demonstrate knowledge for each level before moving on to the next layer. Your teacher will question you based on the activities you chose and how well you completed each task. Be sure to label activity on your Table of Contents and either complete or attach activity inside lab notebook.
1.
Build vocabulary using words on pages 2-23 (Terms to Learn) by creating
flashcards
or crossword puzzle (may use puzzle maker on computer). Must include definitions
on cards and puzzle. You may not do # 2 if you
choose #1. (10 points)
2.
Define words on pages 2-23 (Terms to Learn). You may not do #1 if you
do #2. (10 points)
3. Outline pages 2-23 using standard outline form below: (10 points)
I. Main Heading
A. Sub Heading
B.
II. Next Sub-Heading
6. Compare ancient astronomical activities by creating a table or chart. Be sure to list
the name of each group and their accomplishments. (10 points)
7.
Compare ancient calendars to modern calendar using a Venn
diagram. (10 points)
differences in their meaning. (10 points)
9. Create a celestial guide book for the novice stargazer that includes a glossary of
astronomical terms. Include diagrams, illustrations, and analogies. (15 points)
10. Make a foldable illustrating one of the phases, cycles, relationships of our solar system.
Some examples include lifecycle of a star, moon phases, formation of a galaxy, earth-
sun-moon relationship. (10 points)
(10 Pts.) 1. Use the internet, research why many people were reluctant to accept Copernicus’s theory
about the sun-centered universe. Summarize your findings and be sure to cite the source.
(15 Pts.) 2. Investigate some of the theories about the astronomical significance of Stonehenge. Include
a diagram in your report that show how archaeologists think Stonehenge originally looked
and how the sun’s movement could be tracked by this structure.
(15 Pts.) 3. Research stories about Sirius from Egyptian mythology and find out more about Egyptian
astronomy. Be sure to present your findings in a creative manner such as poster, power
point, creative writing, etc.
(15 Pts.) 4. Complete the Start-Up Activity on page 3 (Astrolabe). Follow the procedures and write
down all observations. Complete the analysis on
another piece of paper.
(10 Pts.) 5. Identify two astronomers who favored an Earth-centered universe and two
astronomers who favored a sun-centered universe. Explain their reasoning for
their theories.
(15 Pts.) 6. Mystery of the floating penny. Place a penny in the center of a small bowl place on a
table. Back up until you can no longer see the penny. Have a partner pour water
slowly into the bowl until the penny “floats” into view. Be sure to record your
observations. Explain why the penny appears to “float” into view. How does this
experiment relate to telescopes? Refer to page 19 for support.
(15 Pts.) 7. Research different types of telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Gamma-
ray, Radio, Optical and X-ray telescopes. Make a model of one of the above
telescopes or create a poster depicting each type. Be
prepared to explain differences.
(10 Pts.) 8. Research and explain how the Greek Astronomer Aristarchus of Samos came up with
a method for calculating the distance of heavenly bodies more than
2,200 years ago.
(15 Pts.) 9. Create a 3-D model of the celestial sphere. Refer to page 14 for support. Be prepared
to explain how your model assists in finding the
position of a star.
(20 Pts.) 10. Research one of the ancient astronomical sites mentioned and build a scale model of it.
Additional sites of interest include the Big Horn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, Pyramid of
Khufu in Giza, Egypt, or the Anasazi Sun Dagger in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico.
Explain the significance of the site and demonstrate how the structures marked the path of
the sun and moon.
(20 Pts.) 11. Choose one or two interactive web sites on astronomy that relate to the
concepts and create a web quest. Be sure to give specific instructions as to how
to maneuver through the web site and ask questions to check for student
understanding. Consider NASA (www.nasa.com), CNN (www.cnnfyi.com),
NSTA (www.scilinks.org),
to explore.
(20 Pts.) 12. Design your own activity. This must be reflective of the content in this
curriculum and demonstrate thorough knowledge. Must be worthy of 20
pts. and be approved by the teacher. Power point, model or experiment focusing
on astronomy concepts are suggestions.
(15 Pts.) 13. Create a calendar using pages 24-25. Be sure to follow all procedures and record
results.
(20 Pts.) 14. Create a galaxy like the Milky Way or Andromeda. Be sure to illustrate how
gravity holds the galaxy clusters together. Use page 15 for assistance. You may
depict your galaxy as a three dimensional model or diagram. Be creative.
(20 Pts.) 15. Earth is overpopulated and running out of resources. Create a planet that people
could inhabit. Be sure to include gases, elements and physical characteristics that
would be needed to sustain life.
(30 Pts.) In an opinion paper give evidence to support your opinion about one of the
following questions:
1. Given the current economic climate of the country, should the United States
continue to fund space exploration?
2. Research current space programs (government). Are these programs necessary
for our nation’s security?
Assessment/Performance
Grade
Level
C: Tasks ________, _________, __________, __________ =
___________points
Level
B: Tasks ________, _________, __________
= ____________points
Level
A: Task ________
= ____________ points
Total: _______ out of _______possible points Grade _________