Unit:

The Universe

Topic:

The Universe Today

Lesson Objective:

Students will describe the current state of the Universe.

Materials:

Video questions

State Frameworks:

NS.11.PS.6 Research current events and topics in physical science

NGSS

A-ESS1-2 Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe. [AR Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on dark energy, accelerating cosmic expansion, Hubble's law, and the discovery of the expansion of the universe. Examples of evidence could include cosmic abundances of light elements, the red shift found in galactic spectra, and cosmic microwave background radiation.]

CCSS:

RST.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics.

WHST.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

ACT Aspire PLD:

Translate moderately complex information into a table, graph, or diagram.

Compare data from two or more simple data presentations (e.g. compare a value in a table to a value in a graph or categorize data from a table using a scale from another table).

Predict the results of an additional trial or measurement in a moderately complex experiment.

Evaluate the design or methods of a simple experiment (e.g. possible flaws or inconsistencies; precision and accuracy issues).

Determine which hypothesis, prediction, or conclusion is, or is not, consistent with a moderately complex data presentation or piece of information in text.

Identify implications and assumptions in a complex theoretical model.

Science & Engineering Practices (SEP):

Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

Crosscutting Concepts (CCC):

Energy and Matter, Structure and Function

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI):

PS4.B Electromagnetic Radiation, ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars

Engagement:

Opening Question: “Is the Universe static? Explain your answer.”  Discuss student responses.

10 min

Explore:

Students will complete their illustrations of the universe from last week.

15 min  

Explain:

Discuss how that before the beginning of the universe, space as we know it did not exist. Emphasize the connection between space and time (space-time) and discuss our concept of time.

20 min

Elaborate:

Students will view and answer questions about the documentary: “Fabric of the Universe: The Illusion of Time”.

45 min

Evaluate:

Formative as students work. Summative of student video questions.

Material/Lab Safety:

NA

Unit:

The Universe

Topic:

Unit Evaluation

Lesson Objective:

Students will complete the unit evaluation.

Materials:

Various

State Frameworks:

NS.11.PS.6 Research current events and topics in physical science

NGSS

A-ESS1-2 Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe. [AR Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on dark energy, accelerating cosmic expansion, Hubble's law, and the discovery of the expansion of the universe. Examples of evidence could include cosmic abundances of light elements, the red shift found in galactic spectra, and cosmic microwave background radiation.]

CCSS:

RST.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics.

WHST.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

ACT Aspire PLD:

Translate moderately complex information into a table, graph, or diagram.

Compare data from two or more simple data presentations (e.g. compare a value in a table to a value in a graph or categorize data from a table using a scale from another table).

Predict the results of an additional trial or measurement in a moderately complex experiment.

Evaluate the design or methods of a simple experiment (e.g. possible flaws or inconsistencies; precision and accuracy issues).

Determine which hypothesis, prediction, or conclusion is, or is not, consistent with a moderately complex data presentation or piece of information in text.

Identify implications and assumptions in a complex theoretical model.

Science & Engineering Practices (SEP):

Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

Crosscutting Concepts (CCC):

Energy and Matter, Structure and Function

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI):

PS4.B Electromagnetic Radiation, ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars

Engagement:

NA

Explore:

NA

Explain:

NA

Elaborate:

NA

Evaluate:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the formation of the universe by completing the unit evaluation.

90 min

Material/Lab Safety:

NA