Mrs. Swett's Science Site
Universe Steps 5, 6, & 7
Universe 5: Scale and Distance in Space
Level 2:
Knows the terms: light year, universe, galaxy.
Knows the speed of light is a constant.
Knows light years are measures of distance, not time.
Level 3:
Understands how and why light years describe distances in the universe.
Understands the relationship of solar systems to galaxies and galaxies to the universe.
Learning Activities and Assessments
1. The Hubble Deep Field Academy
2. Measuring Distance in Space
(You will need object cards in class to complete this assignment)
4. Universe 5 Student Choice Project
Universe 6: The Role of Gravity
Level 2:
Know the terms: nuclear fusion, nova, supernova, black hole, neutron star, nebula.
Know the basic structure and composition of a star.
Know the life cycle of a star.
Level 3:
Understands the role of gravity in forming and maintaining planets, stars, and the solar system.
Learning Activities
4. Life Cycle of a Star Worksheet
5. Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram (available in class)
6. Death of a Star Video and Questions
How Much of the human body is made of stardust
We are stardust: Supernovas and Heavy Elements
Universe 7: The Formation of the Universe
Level 2:
Knows the terms: Doppler effect, redshift, blueshift, Big Bang.
Knows a number of the major events that have led to our understanding of the universe (e.g. heliocentric theory, discovery of Jupiter's moons).
Knows the names and purposes of various astronomical instruments (e.g. radio telescope, x-ray observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, mass spectrometry).
Level 3:
Understands the evidence for the age, origin, and process of formation of the universe as currently understood by science.
Understands the tools and technology used by astronomers to gather information about the universe.
Learning Activities and Assessments
1. The Big Bang Theory PowerPoint with Notetaker and
Timeline Assignment
Link to History of the Big Bang for Timeline Assginment
2. Red Shift and the Doppler Effect
(username: ninthgrade; password: science)
4. Hubble Law Curve Graph (Available In-Class)
5. Dark Energy
6. Heliocentric Vs. Geocentric Models of the Universe
7. Retrograde Motion (Available In-Class)
8. Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens
11. Universe Test