Astronomy
Layered Curriculum
First Term Science 2018-19
Name: _________________ Advisory: ___________
I can compare the Earth to other planets and moons in terms of
supporting life.
I can describe, compare, and explain the motion and observation of solar
system objects.
I can describe and explain how objects in the universe are formed.
I can explain how technology and
scientific inquiry help us learn about the universe.
I can generate questions to
research, organize, and construct a scientific research paper.
Layered Curriculum Guidelines
For this science unit, we will be utilizing a layered curriculum format. This is a three level process where you will have the choice of a variety of activities within each level to gain knowledge and demonstrate your understanding of the material. The following are guidelines and procedures you will need to follow to ensure your success:
All students must start with Layer C where you will build a strong foundation of facts, vocabulary, and basic concepts. You will follow with Layer B where you will expand your knowledge and depth of understanding by completing an extended essay on a particular area of your interest in the solar system. Finally, you will complete a Layer A summative project to clearly demonstrate your mastery of the learning objectives.
This packet includes your activity selections for each layer, and will also act as your progress record of your accomplishments and accumulated points for the unit. KEEP IT IN YOUR SCIENCE BINDER. (Seriously, this is not something you want to lose! )
In order to be successful this term, we are asking that you self-select a group that will provide you with the appropriate amount of organizational and time-management support:
o Guided Layered Curriculum Group (1): This group is best for students who feel they may
need some teacher support to stay organized and "on track" throughout each layer. If you choose this group, you will be working with a teacher on a daily basis to complete activities that will allow you to earn all required points in class.
o Supported Layered Curriculum Group (2): This group is a good fit for students who are comfortable managing their time wisely and would like some independence working through each layer at their own pace. If you choose this group, you will be responsible for choosing and completing assignments to demonstrate mastery, and you may need to finish work outside of class.
o Independent Layered Curriculum Group (3): This group is an option for students who have a firm grasp on the content and feel confident working completely independently. If you choose this group, you will be responsible for choosing and completing assignments to demonstrate mastery, and you will most likely need to finish work outside of class.
You make the choice of the activities you complete and the grades you receive – however to earn credit in science you must earn a minimum of an 80% on each layer.
Progress Tracking Chart
Layer Category Possible Points
Points Earned
C
Planets of the Solar System
40
Stars 40
Comets/Asteroids/Meteors 40
The Moon 40
Astronomical Math 40
Space Travel/Rockets 40
The Universe 40
Tools of Astronomy 40
TOTAL 320
B Research Paper 200
A Cumulative Project 100
TOTAL 620
Science Calendar – October/ November Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
15 16 17 18
Revolutionary Thought Kickoff!
Layer C 1 – Learn about the Sun
2 – Class will focus on the Sun 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
Layer C 1 – Learn about the Moon
2 – Class will focus on the Moon 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
Layer C 1 – Learn about the Inner Planets 2 – Class will focus on the Inner
Planets 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
22 23 24 25
Layer C 1 – Learn about the Outer Planets 2 – Class will focus on the Outer
Planets 3 –Individual Choice Work Time
Layer C 1 – Learn about
Comets/Asteroids/Meteors 2 – Class will focus on
Comets/Asteroids/Meteors 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
Layer C 1 – Learn about Space Travel 2 – Class will focus on Space
Travel 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
Layer C 1 – Learn about Astronomy Tools 2 – Class will focus on Astronomy
Tools 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
29 30 31 Nov - 1
Layer C 1 – Learn about Astronomy Math 2 – Class will focus on Astronomy
Math 3 – Individual Choice Work Time
LAYER C Work Day
LAYER C DUE
(at the end of class)
Kickoff Layer B – Extended Essay
Layer B Extended Essay
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
5 6 7 8
Layer B Extended Essay
Layer B Extended Essay
Layer B Extended Essay
Layer B Extended Essay
12 13 14 15
Layer B
Extended Essay Layer B
Extended Essay
Kickoff Layer A Project
LAYER B EXTENDED ESSAY DUE
Layer A
26 27 28 29
Layer A LAYER A PROJECT DUE Presentations in Advisory
Layer A Presentations
In Advisory Unit Assessment and
Reflection
Layer C Due
Tuesday, October 30
Layer B Research Paper Due
Wednesday, November 14
Layer A Project Due Tuesday, November 27
You must choose one activity from the “LEARN IT” section and one from the “SHOW IT” section for each category. Each activity is worth either 16 (80%), 18 (90%) or 20 (100%) points based on the challenge of the task, although the score you earn is based on the overall quality and oral defense of your work. As there are eight categories in Layer C which are each worth a maximum of 40 points, Layer C has a total of 320 points. Remember to choose your activities wisely as you must earn an 80% overall to earn credit in science.
288 – 320 points = Exceeds Mastery
256 – 287 points = Mastery 255 and below = Not Yet Meeting Mastery
Planets of the Solar System
Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally defend your knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Read the Universe Today “The Inner Planets” article and complete the Points to Consider Questions.
Video: https://goo.gl/Ydxhvt
16 points Compose a one-page diary entry from the perspective of Pluto
describing your thoughts and feelings about no longer being considered a planet. Be sure to include at least five scientific reasons comparing yourself to other planets that explain why
your new classification is (or is not) appropriate.
18 points Explore all 8 planets at NASA’s website. Click on each planet and
write down at least 5 facts about each of the 8 planets. Be sure to compare and contrast the planets in your notes.
Website: https://goo.gl/mJmWhj
18 points Create an Instagram feed for one of the space probes that have
visited the outer planets (such as Voyager 1 and 2, Galileo, Cassini or New Horizons) with at least 5 pictures (hand-draw or digital)
and detailed descriptions (minimum of 1 paragraph each) of what the probes saw. Be scientific yet creative, and feel free to come
up with your own new hashtags.
20 points Read the article about Voyager 2 findings. Produce a graphic
organizer that displays the major goals, timeline, and findings of the Voyager 2 mission. Your graphic organizer should include at
least 20 entries.
Article: www.space.com/17693-voyager-2.html
20 points Scientists are finding new planets around distant stars all the
time. In a 3 – 5 paragraph response, answer which planets are worth pursuing in the search for life in space. Think about
conditions that would make a planet more or less habitable. Water may be one criterion for life, what are other factors
scientists should consider?
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
The Moon Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally defend your
knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Read “Which Phase of the Moon is Best for Stargazing?”. Be sure to click through all eight phases of the moon on the site, then create hand-drawn color poster that diagrams the phases of the moon
with appropriate labels. Article: http://goo.gl/HUUZxK
16 points The moon is made of cheese? There is a man on the moon? Throughout human history there have been many myths about the moon, however,
science has debunked many of these myths. Pick 3 myths about the moon and explain how science has been used to correct these falsehoods about
the moon (at least one paragraph per myth).
18 points Watch the video “Phases of the Moon” then complete the quiz.
Video: http://goo.gl/673aRp Quiz: https://goo.gl/WsH4Pi
18 points Everyone loves looking at the full moon, but are some days better
than others for stargazing? Can the moon interfere with certain astronomical observations? Pick three phases of the moon and
describe in three paragraphs the benefits and challenges of looking at the stars during that particular phase of the moon.
20 points Explore all the “Missions to the Moon.” Create a graphic organizer
of your choice to display information for the 8 missions to the moon, when they occurred, what was the purpose/reason for the
mission, what we learned and was it successful.
Website: http://goo.gl/G8W5da
20 points Why does the Earth have only one moon, while other planets
have several moons? In 3 – 4 paragraphs explain the conditions required to create a moon and why the Earth only has one moon,
while some other planets have more.
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Stars Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally defend your
knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Visit the “Sun” National Geographic page. Review the introduction then click “interactive feature.” Create a poster comparing the sun to a planet
with the information provided with at least 5 important facts.
Website: http://goo.gl/yWSAa
16 points Construct a flipbook that describes at least six different types of stars in our Universe. Each page should include information about the star. Be sure to
thoroughly explain/describe the star classification in your own words, including at least 5 facts about each star type.
18 points On a clear night, you have surely noticed that some stars are
brighter than others. Complete “How is a Star’s Color Related to Its Temperature?” worksheet (see teacher), graph stars on a HR
Diagram and answer the corresponding questions.
18 points Identify a star (not the Sun) in the Milky Way and produce a PowerPoint that describes the life-cycle of that star. Your PowerPoint should include:
the name of the star, the star location on a H-R Diagram, the star’s spectral class/luminosity class, the mass (compared to the Sun), the luminosity
(compared to the Sun), the star’s temperature, the size of the star, age, how long it will take to go through all its life states, and the stages of evolution
the star will go through based on its mass.
20 points After doing some research about stars on your own, create a test
(with an answer key) demonstrating your knowledge of their major characteristics. Be sure to include at least 15 questions consisting
of multiple choice, true/false, and at least one short answer question.
20 points Write a “biography” of a hydrogen atom “living” inside a star. Each
biography should include a description of at least one of the hydrogen nuclear reactions, descriptions of the forces the influence the atom’s
activity and descriptions of what happens to the atom during at least two solar events (sunspot, prominence, solar flare, fusion, etc).
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
The Universe Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally
defend your knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Watch “What is Dark Matter and Dar Energy?” and take the equivalent of 1 – 2 paragraphs of notes.
Video: https://goo.gl/98Lr1M
16 points Create a 10 – 15 frame comic strip where your current self meets up with a version of yourself from a parallel universe. Be sure to discuss
the Multiverse Theory in your comic strip.
18 points Watch NASA’s Astrophysics Page. Read the description of Black Holes and view 3 recent discoveries. Take notes on black holes and 3 recent
discoveries. You should have a minimum of 15 – 20 note/facts. Website: http://goo.gl/rpsVEw
18 points Create a mock interview with Stephen Hawking regarding the topic of
black holes. Include 15 – 20 questions you would ask Stephen Hawking and use research about black holes to answer the questions.
20 points Read “Parallel Universes.” Write 3 paragraphs discussing how your perception of the known universe and idea of the Multiverse has
changed after reading this article. Article: http://goo.gl/HMVw1e
20 points Scientists have multiple theories about Dark Matter and Energy and
what secrets lie in the Universe. Come up with a few theories of your own and create your own TED Talk to discuss your theories.
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Astronomical Math Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally
defend your knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Watch “The Known Universe.” After watching the video, come up with 4 questions the video prompted you to ask and research the
answers to those questions. Video: https://goo.gl/V0SrKI
16 points Using online sources to aid you, develop an “analogy” for the sizes of
the eight planets, the moon, and the sun in our solar system. For example, if the Earth were the size of a grape, how big would the
other planets be? Once you have established your analogy, create a poster that displays and describes the size of each object.
18 points Explore the “Magnifying the Universe” interactive site. Once you have
had a chance to explore and read the text below the infographic, create a diagram from small to large of the 20 items you feel best
represent the scale of the universe. Include each item’s size.
Site: http://www.numbersleuth.org/universe/
18 points If you haven’t already, watch/skim “Scale of the Large” at Khan
Academy (16 point Learn It). Then produce your own 2-3 minute video (or 8-10 slide Power Point) where you display and explain the
scale of “large” in your own terms.
20 points Read the “How to Picture the Size of the Universe” article. Write 2 - 3 paragraphs discussing how your perception of the solar system and
beyond has changed after reading the article.
Article: http://www.wired.com/2011/12/universe-size/.
20 points On average, Mars is 14 light minutes away from Earth. This means, we
technically are looking 14 minutes into the past when we look at Mars. Create a Public Service Announcement or news report to
explain to the CSA community why when you are looking at the stars you are looking back in time.
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Comets/Asteroids/Meteors Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally
defend your knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Watch the “Meteors: Crash Course Astronomy” video and take the equivalent of 1-2 paragraphs of notes.
Video: https://goo.gl/3wxcRf
16 points Create an informative poster of one of the celestial bodies. On the
poster, include a labeled diagram of the object, the object’s size and shape, composition, origin, location in the solar system, examples of
the object scientists have discovered, and at least one fun fact.
18 points Read the article on comets, asteroids, meteorites, and impacts and
write the equivalent of a 1 paragraph summary on each type of celestial body.
Article: http://goo.gl/xHeJ5H
18 points Visit the site Solar System Collisions. Select 1 target, 2 different
projectile compositions, select different diameters and velocities to see the effects of different solar system collisions. Create a graphic
organizer of your choice to display the information you learned. Site: http://goo.gl/uJMf75
20 points Read the article on comets, asteroids, meteorites, and impacts and
answer at least eight of the questions at the top of the article in complete sentences.
Article: http://goo.gl/xHeJ5H
20 points Comets, asteroids and meteors are composed of many elements,
which could be helpful to life on Earth. Come up with a 3 – paragraph proposal for NASA consisting of a plan to acquire resources from
celestial bodies.
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Space Travel/Rockets Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally
defend your knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Watch “Space Race: 20th Century Timeline and Firsts” and then “Space Timeline.” As you watch, take the equivalent of 1-2
paragraphs worth of notes and respond to this question: Why are timelines important and how do we use them in our everyday lives?
Video 1: http://watchmojo.com/video/id/10642/ Video 2: https://goo.gl/OxVAAu
16 points Create an illustrated timeline showing at least 10 major events in the history of space travel and exploration. Be sure to include a brief (1
paragraph) explanation of each event which describes its importance to the discovery of space.
18 points Read “A Brief History of Space Exploration” and “Our Future in Space: Space Exploration and Travel.” For both articles, take notes on what
the author(s) want to us to understand about space exploration, including the relevant facts and details that help support these main
ideas. You should take 20-25 notes total.
Article 1: http://goo.gl/QaYjRT Article 2: http://goo.gl/9X4J6I
18 points After doing some research in the “Learn It” section, pick 15 major
technology advancements NASA developed for space travel that you believe are the most important. Create a space catalog of those advancements. Identify when each item was created, why it was
created and how it can be used.
20 points Read the article “The Martian’ Shows 9 Ways NASA Tech Is Headed to Mars.” Take notes on the 9 ways NASA Tech was used in the movie.
Find one of the ways and search the internet for one other article on that subject.
Article: http://goo.gl/db87aQ
20 points Write a 3-4 paragraph letter to NASA in which you analyze the costs and benefits of space exploration based on the information you read in the “Learn It” activity. Develop your point of view by stating your opinion on whether the costs outweigh the benefits, or vise versa,
based on evidence (facts and details) that logically support your claim. You must cite at least 3 pieces of evidence from the article you
read in “Learn It.”
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Tools of Astronomy Circle your activity choice in each column. Bring your work to a teacher when completed, where you will be asked to orally
defend your knowledge in order to earn your points.
LEARN IT SHOW IT 16 points
Listen to the “Tools of Astronomy Song” then complete the “Tools of Astronomy” chart.
Song: https://goo.gl/xEWQzq Chart: https://goo.gl/3e75IG
16 points In the tradition of the “Dummies” series, create a “Telescopes for Dummies” book which clearly demonstrates your knowledge of both optical and non-optical telescopes included clearly labeled
diagrams of each type of instrument.
18 points Read the “Tools of Astronomy” article then complete the Points
to Consider questions.
Article: https://goo.gl/QWAwd7 Points to Consider Questions: https://goo.gl/BiQGzn
18 points Telescopes are our eyes into the universe. Finding a suitable site
is an important part of any project to build a new telescope, large or small. On a world map, mark the location of all observatories
built before 1900 with one color or symbol, and all built after 1900 using another. Look for any patterns in the locations of the
newer versus older telescopes, and compile a list of these characteristics that define pre- and post-1900 observatories.
Consider factors such as elevation, annual cloud cover, strength and direction of prevailing winds, local population density, and geographic setting (mountains, valleys, plains, rivers, oceans, lakes, etc.). Create a Power Point or poster that displays your
labeled map, compiled list of characteristics, and a clear summary of factors that are important in locating telescopes past and
present.
20 points Choose 3 National Geographic articles (see Mrs. Maniace), note
how any tool of astronomy is used, and write a review of those 3 articles, making sure to mention how scientists use tools of
astronomy.
20 points Ancient astronomers could measure the distance to other stars. They could also distinguish between stars and planets. They did
both tasks without the use of the telescope. Discover the link between distance and perspective used to measure the stars. Create a journal with illustrations for terms and steps for any
procedures you need to complete the task.
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
Points Earned ___________
Teacher Initials ____________ Date ____________
_________________
Layer B provides you the opportunity to explore an astronomical topic of interest at a deeper level through the completion of an extended essay. You will receive a separate rubric and more direction for Layer B when we reach this stage of the layered curriculum, but keep your mind open to possible topic ideas as we work through Layer C. Layer B is worth a total of 100 points, and you must earn a minimum of an 80% to earn credit in science.
180 - 200 points = Exceeds Mastery 160 - 179 points = Mastery
159 and below = Not Yet Meeting Mastery
Brainstorming for Extended Essay Topic Ideas: Factual discussion of a planet in our solar system, or a star in our galaxy
Review of necessities for life and what planets exist in the universe that might support life
Brief history of space travel and what the future might bring
Exploration of what the goals of New Horizons were and what it was able to accomplish
Argument of whether (or not) it would be possible to colonize Mars, and what technology we would
need to make this happen
Summary of the Big Bang Theory and how it explains the formation of the universe
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_________________
You must choose one project from the six choices below that will demonstrate your understanding at a deep level of what you have learned this term about space and astronomy. Select a project that is interesting and
relevant to you and that challenges you at an appropriate level. Layer A has a total of 200 points and you must earn an 80% overall on this layer to earn credit in science.
90 - 100 points = Exceeds Mastery 80 - 90 points = Mastery
79 and below = Not Yet Meeting Mastery
Project Options Space Colony Project
You have been asked to create a proposal to put a colony of humans somewhere in our solar system (sorry - not on Earth or our moon) as
a test of whether it might be possible to someday do large scale colonization. The colony may be put on any other planet or moon, or may be put in orbit around the sun or a planet or moon in our solar
system. The colony you design is to be self sufficient - you will only be allowed to bring enough materials to start your colony. This means
that, once your colony is built and working, it must provide everything the colonists need. Other than what you brought, whatever is in the
station must be made new, fixed easily, grown or recycled. Once your colony is operational, you are on your own.
Rubric: https://goo.gl/RgLuf6
Space Inaccuracies in Film Hollywood has created countless motion pictures following astronomical themes. Although many have won Oscars for their costumes, stunning settings, visual effects and music,
many been criticized for inaccuracies and perpetuating unfound myths. Using your research you have gathered this term you will review a movie or TV episode that focuses on
astronomy. In your movie review, you will address the science accuracies and inaccuracies in the movie/episode. At the end of the review, make a suggestion of improvement/revisions
the film can undergo. Your teacher must approve the movie/episode you view before you watch it.
Rubric: https://goo.gl/j1izIa
Crash Course: CSPA Astronomy Crash Course was created by John and Hank Green to provide free, high-quality online educational videos to learners of all kinds. Your goal in completing this project is to create your own Crash Course
movie: a 3-5 minute video – live action, animation, or a combination of the two – that thoroughly demonstrates your understanding of the “I can…” statements (everything we have learned this term) below in
a clear, creative way for young adults.
Rubric: https://goo.gl/dKTqrq
Curator of the Kennedy Space Center Museum Congratulations on being named the curator of the Kennedy Space Center Museum! Your first assignment is to create a display for the main lobby of the museum. The basic premise of the display would be to capture the viewer’s interest through the innovative thought
of astronomy. You could choose to incorporate: a banner that would hang at the entrance; a hands-on activity or interactive video
showpiece; a 3-D scale or interactive model of objects found in the universe; a cosmic timeline; or anything else that would captivate
and educate museum visitors and demonstrate your understanding.
Rubric: https://goo.gl/D3a1VL
Constellations in Space and Mythology A constellation is simply a collection of stars, imaginatively linked
together to represent a person, animal or object. In this way we were able to organize the heaves into some recognizable form. The location of many different constellations in the night sky is important as they often relate stories from around the world of mythology and legend.
If you choose this project, you will be producing an illustrated children’s book of the mythology and scientific information behind
ten of your favorite constellations.
Rubric: https://goo.gl/Ph6Pqc
The Life of Stella: Space Journal Stella has entered ‘interstella’ space. This NASA spacecraft is leaving Earth and traveling farther than anyone, or anything, in history! As
an astronaut, your duty is to report back to the Johnson Space Center with journal entries that document all your encounters in
space. In your journal, you will include diary entries from the perspective of an astronaut for each planet you visit and any space
probes you come across. Your journal will provide a detailed account of your travels for generations to come.
Rubric: https://goo.gl/2r9kAk
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