Download Astronomy 12 Levelled Curriculum Project Origin of the Solar

Astronomy 12
Levelled Curriculum Project
Origin of the Solar System
Learning Outcomes (Student will…):
 explain the theories for the origin of the solar system
 distinguish between questions that can be answered by science and those that cannot, and between problems
that can be solved by technology and those that cannot with regards to extrasolar system formation.
 describe and apply classification systems and nomenclature used in the sciences (i.e. classifying different objects
in the solar system)
Insufficient
0
Developing
2
Proficient
4
Exemplary
5
For this project, students must chose activities that total at least 15 points. Certain restrictions apply:
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A maximum of one Level One activity can be chosen
One Level 2 activity must be chosen in order to receive a Proficient (4) rating
One Level 3 activity must be chosen in order to receive an Exemplary (5) rating
Level 1
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Activity Description
Make a crossword puzzle for the following terms: terrestrial, jovian, Mars, Neptune, Kuiper, Oort, comet,
asteroid, meteoroid, Bode, Trojan, nebula, condensation, gravity, accretion, fission, fusion, rotation,
hydrogen, extrasolar. Include the answer key for the puzzle. Use an online puzzle generator like
http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/CrissCrossSetupForm.asp.
Complete the Zoom Astronomy Fill-in-the-Blanks worksheets*. These worksheets require the use of notes
and the Internet to complete fill-in-the-blanks questions on comets, asteroids, meteoroids and the planets.
Points
5
5
Complete the Origin of the Solar System review sheet.*
5
Complete the cloze activities for Asteroids, Comets, Meteoroids & Meteorites and Solar System*.
5
Complete the Planets labelling sheets in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.*
5
Make a timeline showing major discoveries of 10 comets and 10 asteroids. Include a PICTURE of each
object on your timeline.
5
Construct The Planets of our Solar System tab book*. Color the pages and complete the quiz at the end.
5
Construct the Solar System Calendar*. Color the solar system objects displayed. Complete the AsteroidComet Venn Diagram activity*.
5
Color the Solar System Coloring Book*. Complete the Asteroid-Comet Venn Diagram activity*.
5
Complete the Solar System Labelling Sheets*.
5
Make a physical model of a comet. Be sure to include the following components: ion tail, hydrogen
envelope, dust tail, coma, nucleus.
Complete the Planet Report Chart for 5 different planets in our solar system*. Be creative and list your
references at the end.
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5
Level 2
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Use Microsoft Publisher to create a pamphlet that illustrates the solar nebular theory of solar system
formation. Be sure to include relevant details for each stage of the process. Use accurate diagrams.
Provide evidence of this theory in other proto-planetary systems. Be creative!
Exploring Our Solar System Webquest.* Click
http://www.maitland.hs.education.nsw.gov.au/elearn/solar_system.htm to visit webquest.
The year is 2050. You are a member of a travel agency. You have been asked by NASA to design a
travel brochure for their new space travel program. Your task is to research information about the planets.
In particular, you will:
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Complete a spreadsheet using Excel with data about all the nine planets in our universe. In the
spreadsheet include information about surface temperature, Atmosphere composition, gravity,
length of a year, length of a day and distance from the sun.
Graph the planets using the worksheet here.
Choose one planet then complete the worksheet with further information about one planet.
Prepare a powerpoint presentation using the design template or your own slides to present to the
NASA board.
Design and present a travel brochure using Microsoft Publisher aimed at promoting space travel
to your chosen planet.
Halley's Comet Activity*
(http://www.astro.washington.edu/courses/labs/clearinghouse/labs/Halley/comet2.html)
Students investigate the orbital characteristics of Halley's comet.
Write an essay outlining the development of various theories that explain the formation of our solar
system. The essay should detail the following theories: Laplace’s nebula theory, accretion theory, proto-
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planet theory, capture theory and solar nebular theory. Compare and contrast each theory’s
characteristics.
Satellites of Saturn Activity*
(http://www.astro.washington.edu/courses/labs/clearinghouse/labs/SaturnSat/index.html)
Students pick a moon of Saturn and analyze its characteristics. Note: this activity should be done online
at the URL address provided (due to the use of several color images). Submit answers on the handout.
10
Volcanoes of Io* (http://www.astro.washington.edu/courses/labs/clearinghouse/labs/Io/volcanoes_io.html)
10
Students determine the height, velocity, and range for volcanoes on Io and compare the results to geysers
on Earth.
Write an essay outlining the various indirect methods used to detect extrasolar planets. Each method
should be described (with important physical concepts explained); examples of detected planets should be
cited for each method. Include a bibliography.
Prepare a pamphlet using Microsoft Publisher that outlines the first 10 extrasolar planets discovered. Brief
information should include: name of planet, type of star around which it revolves, type of extrasolar planet
(hot Jupiter, gas giant, pulsar planets) and method of detection. Include artist conception drawing for each
of these planets.
Make a poster that illustrates the Sudarsky extrasolar planet classification. Give an explanation of the
classification system and its five classes. Provide three examples of planets for each class with
accompanying pictures (or artist conception drawings).
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Level 3
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51 Pegasi: The Discovery of a New Planet*
(http://www.astro.washington.edu/courses/labs/clearinghouse/labs/51Peg/51pegasi.html)
In this activity, you will discover a planet orbiting another star and compares the results of the discovery
with planets in our solar system.
Extrasolar System Webquest.* Visit Mr. Jennings’ Home Page (http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jenninj2/) and
go to the Astronomy 12 page for this webquest (in PowerPoint format).
Create Your Own Extrasolar System. In this activity, you will create your own planetary system. You
must include the following elements:
 A star (or multiple stars; note: if you chose more than one star, you will have to research planetary
orbits in such star systems…they are not elliptical)
 At least 5 planets (one terrestrial, one jovian, the other could be either terrestrial, jovian, a hot
Jupiter or pulsar planet)
 Important information about the planets (size, mass, composition, orbital period and radius, shape
of orbit)
 Asteroids and comets (include at least one region for asteroids and one region for comets;
highlight one specific example of each object with its name, shape of orbit and
size/mass/composition)
 A Bode’s Law-type of relationship should govern the distances from the star(s) and each planet
(this should be different from our solar system’s Bode’s Law)
 An explanation of how your star system formed (citing the star(s), planets and other objects
specifically)
This project requires much thought and research into extrasolar planet formation. Though the entire
project is fictitious, it should be based on the theories and concepts discussed in class.
The product for this project can vary: a 3-D physical model, computer simulation or essay.
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*See Mr. Jennings for activity handout.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Learning Contract
I, ______________________________________, agree to complete all the activities indicated in
the tables above. Satisfactory completion of all activities will result in an assessment of
‘Exemplary’.
________________________________
(Signature of Student)
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(Signature of Teacher)