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Activity
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Methodology
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Resources
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1. Introduction to unit
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Introduce the unit as the science course earth and space science unit, and give a short note which explains the various topics in the unit. Motivate this section by using the Big Scientific Questions information sheet for this unit
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Big Scientific Questions information sheet
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2. Earth in space
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a. Rotating in space
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Using a graphic and text note illustrate the two ways that the Earth is rotating in space (spinning on its axis, and orbiting the sun).
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image of seasons from SciencePower 9 BLM 13-13; image of path of sun from SciencePower 9 BLM 13-3; and overhead
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b. The seasons
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On a second a graphic and text note taken around an image of the path of Earth around the Sun, discuss how the seasons occur, note the 23.5° title of the axis. Also indicate the path of the sun and its height in the northern hemisphere on a second image.
Complete a worksheet package on the changing seasons for reinforcement.
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Understanding the Changing Seasons from The Universe Science Workshop Series, p. 80-82 |
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c. Aurora borealis
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On a third graphic and text note demonstrate how the Aurora borealis (northern lights) are created as the solar wind redirected by the Earth's magnetic field causes ionization of high atmospheric molecules and the subsequent release of visible light. Use poster as illustration.
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Poster of Aurora Borealis
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d. The moon
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On a fourth graphic and text note taken around an image of the Moon's orbit, demonstrate the orbiting of the Moon around the earth. Also explain that the ocean tides are influenced the Moon.
Given details about Moon study and exploration this century, answer several questions.
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Image of Moon's orbit from SciencePower 9 BLM 13-14; and overhead
Moon-Related Events Questions worksheet; information from SciencePower 9 BLM 13-18 (p.689 only)
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e. Earth astronomical tables
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Explain that the moon, the sun, and the seasons work in predictable cycles that can be useful to us. Using a worksheet, and a series of civil twilight (sunrise/sunset), and moonrise/moonset tables for the school's longitude and latitude, answer questions involving calculations, and connections to useful outdoor sunlight.
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Earth Astronomical Tables worksheet; civil twilight and moonrise/moonset tables available from Internet
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3. Solar system
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a. The planets
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Create a planetary database using a table provided and data from the textbook. Answer questions using this database.
Reinforce planetary information using a planetary features worksheet and a planet identification quiz.
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Planet Database worksheet and questions; and SciencePower 9 p. 448-451; questions from p. 447
SciencePower 9 BLM 13-26 and 13-27
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b. Other solar system bodies
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Complete a worksheet which requires reading from the textbook and summary questions on comets, asteroids and meteors. Discuss the possibility that a large meteor may strike Earth and destroy all life (possibly why dinosaurs disappeared).
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SciencePower 9 BLM 13-23
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c. Exploring the solar system
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Introduce students to the series of Voyageur probes that have explored all the planets in the solar system. On the worksheet provided answer questions and plot the path of the probe.
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SciencePower 9 BLM 13-24
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4. Stars & galaxies
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a. Our cosmic address
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Use a graphic and text note to give our cosmic address as Ontario, Canada, Earth, Sun's Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, the Universe.
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SciencePower 9 BLM 14-8 and 14-9
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b. The lives of stars
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Complete a reading assignment on the lives of stars from the textbook, responding to fill in the blank questions about star formation and evolution.
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c. Constellations
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Discuss constellations, and complete a worksheet package on recognizing constellations.
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The Constellations worksheet; from The Universe Science Workshop Series, p. 166-169
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5. Unit review & test
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Unit review package with appropriate summarizing and thinking questions.
Unit test emphasizing knowledge/understanding, making connections, and inquiry.
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Unit 5 Review worksheet package
Unit test
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