Unit:

The Exploration of Space

Topic:

The Early Days

Lesson Objective:

Students will describe the early history of human space exploration.

Materials:

Chromebooks

State Frameworks:

NS.11.PS.5 Research historical events in physical science NS.11.PS.6 Research current events and topics in physical

NGSS

A8-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real world problem based upon prioritized criteria and tradeoffs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. [AR Clarification Statement: Use qualitative and quantitative data to analyze a major global challenge for space systems which could include human space travel, terraforming, and colonizing other planets.]

CCSS:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.2

Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.7

Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1.E

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from or supports the argument presented.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.9

Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

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, Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

Crosscutting Concepts (CCC):

Energy and Matter, Structure and Function

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI):

ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars, ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System,

Engagement:    Day 1

Opening Question: “When and who launched the first object into space? What was the purpose?” Discuss student responses.

10 min

Explore:                Day 1--Opening question for day 2 will be to complete the timeline as needed.

Students will create a timeline of space exploration through 1972. This should include the explorations of other nations, as well as the United States.

80 min

Explain: Day 2

Discuss the major events in space exploration through 1972. Discuss purpose and need, including political issues with the Soviet Union.

20 min

Elaborate: Day 2

Students will choose two of the events from their timeline to create a booklet, brochure, poster, etc. discussing the event in detail, to share with the class.

70 min

Evaluate:

Formative as students work, summative of timeline

Time NA

Material/Lab Safety:

NA