Activity-Mission Design
This activity would satisfy all of the outcomes below in Grade 9 Unit E: Space Exploration (Science and Technology Emphasis). This can be completed over a 2 week period and culminating with the presentation of their lunar base designs. A photo journal could be implemented to document their findings and posted on the school’s website.
Overview: Technologies have played an essential role in the study of space and in the emerging use of space environments. Our modern understanding of space has developed in conjunction with advances in techniques for viewing distant objects, for transmitting images and data through space, and for manned and unmanned space exploration. A study of space exploration provides an opportunity for students to examine how science and technology interact and to learn how one process augments the other. Students become aware that technologies developed to meet the challenges of space are applied to new purposes.
2. Identify problems in developing technologies for space exploration, describe technologies developed for life in space, and explain the scientific principles involved
• analyze space environments, and identify challenges that must be met in developing life-supporting systems (e.g., analyze implications of variations in gravity, temperature, availability of water, atmospheric pressure and atmospheric composition)
• describe technologies for life-support systems, and interpret the scientific principles on which they are based (e.g., investigate systems that involve the recycling of water and air)
• describe technologies for space transport, and interpret the scientific principles involved (e.g., describe the development of multistage rockets, shuttles and space stations; build a model vehicle to explore a planet or moon)
• identify materials and processes developed to meet needs in space, and identify related applications (e.g., medicines, remote sensing, microelectronics, polymers, medical imaging, wireless communication technologies, synthesis of fuels)
• describe the development of artificial satellites, and explain the major purposes for which they are used (e.g., communication, GPS—global positioning system, weather observation)
Activity: Mission Moon
This activity would also fit into the Grade 9 Space Exploration Unit. The outcomes addressed are below. I would use this activity as a springboard to further research and investigations. For the grade 9 level it is better used as an introduction activity – they could investigate their chosen site further and choose a specific site for landing.
Skill Outcomes (focus on problem solving)
Initiating and Planning
Students will:
Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions
• identify practical problems
Performing and Recording
Students will:
Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data
• research information relevant to a given problem
• select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source
• organize data, using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment
Communication and Teamwork
Students will:
Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results
• receive, understand and act on the ideas of others
• work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise
• defend a given position on an issue or problem, based on their findings (e.g., conduct appropriate research to justify their position on the economic costs or benefits of space exploration)
Activity: Build A Base
This activity is similar to the two above – it really depends on the teacher and how much time they want their class to spend on it. The outcomes reached are also reflected below. I would have the students complete the base construction on their own. It would be interesting to see the many designs. The designs could then be showcased for the whole school or have a parent night where they get to see all of the designs.
2. Identify problems in developing technologies for space exploration, describe technologies developed for life in space, and explain the scientific principles involved
• analyze space environments, and identify challenges that must be met in developing life-supporting systems (e.g., analyze implications of variations in gravity, temperature, availability of water, atmospheric pressure and atmospheric composition)
• describe technologies for life-support systems, and interpret the scientific principles on which they are based (e.g., investigate systems that involve the recycling of water and air)
• describe technologies for space transport, and interpret the scientific principles involved (e.g., describe the development of multistage rockets, shuttles and space stations; build a model vehicle to explore a planet or moon)
• identify materials and processes developed to meet needs in space, and identify related applications (e.g., medicines, remote sensing, microelectronics, polymers, medical imaging, wireless communication technologies, synthesis of fuels)
No comments:
Post a Comment