Unit E: Space Exploration
(Science and Technology emphasis)
Overview:
Technologies have played an essential role in the study of space and in the emerging use of space environments.
Our modem 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 opportunity for students to examine how science and technology interact and learn how one
process augments the other, Through this study, students become aware of problems that have been addressed through
these enterprises, and examine a variety of approaches to problem identification and solution. Students also become
aware of the application of space technologies to new purposes and consider implications for the future.
This unit builds on ideas introduced in Grade 6, Unit C: Sky Science, and introduces ideas that will be developed
further in Science 30, Unit C: Electromagnetic Energy.
Focussing Questions: How have humans attained a presence in space?
What technologies have been developed, based on what scientific ideas?
How has the development of these technologies contributed to the exploration, use and understanding of space and
to benefits on Earth?
Key Concepts
Technologies for space exploration and observation
reference frames for describing position in space and motion in spac
satellites and orbits
distribution of matter through space
composition and characteristics of bodies
life support technologies
communication technologies
STS and Knowledge Outcomes
Students will: Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space
has depended on technological development
Identify different perspectives on the nature
of Earth and space, based on culture and science (e.g., describe cosmologies based on an Earth-centred universe;
describe aboriginal views of space and those ofother cultures; describe the role of observation in guiding scientijl'c
understanding)
Investigate and illustrate the contributions
of technological advances-including optical telescopes, spectral analysis and space travel-to a scientific understanding
of space
Describe, in general terr'ns, the distribution
of matter in space (e.g., stars, star systems, galaxies, nebulae)
40 identify evidence for-and describe characteristics of-bodies that make up the solar system, and compare their
characteristics with those of Earth
Describe and apply techniques for determining
the position and motion of objects in space - construct and interpret drawings and physical models that illustrate
the motion to objects in space (e.g., represent the orbit of comets around the Sun, using a looped string model)
Describe techniques used to estimate distances
of objects in space and to determine their motions
Describe the position of objects in space,
using angular coordinates (e.g., describe the location of a spot on a wall by identibdng its angle of elevation
and its bearing or azimuth [degrees east ofnorthjftom two locations in a room) [Prerequisite Skill: Grade 6 Mathematics, Shape and Space, SO 101
Investigate predictions about the motions, alignments,
and collision of bodies in space; and critically examine the evidence on which they are based (e.g., investigate
predictions of eclipses, identify uncertainties in predicting and tracking meteor showers)
Students will: Identify problems in developing technologies for space explorations, 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 recycling
of water and air)
Describe technologies for space transport,
and interpret 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 their applications to non-space uses (e.g., medicines, remote sensing, microelectronics,
polymers, medical imaging, wireless communication technologies, synthesis offuels in space)
Describe the development of artificial satellites,
and explain major purposes for which they are used (e.g. communication, GPS [globalpositioning system]; weather
observation)
Students will: Describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes space probes
and remote sensing technologies
Explain, in general terms, the operation
of optical telescopes, including telescopes that are positioned in space environments
Explain the role of radio and optical telescopes
in determining characteristics of stars and star systems
Describe and interpret, in general terms,
the technologies used in global positioning systems and in remote sensing (e.g., use triangulation to determine
the position of an object, given information on the distance-from three different points). (Note this example involves use of geometric approaches rather than mathematical
calculations)
Students will: Identify issues and opportunities arising from the application of space technology,
identify alternatives involved, and analyze their implications
Recognize risks and dangers associated with
space exploration (e.g., spacejunk, fuel expenditure, satellites burning up in the atmosphere; solar radiation)
Describe Canadian contributions to space
research and development and to the astronaut program (e.g., Canadarm)
Identify and analyze factors that are important
to decisions regarding space exploration and development (e.g., identify examples costs and potential benefits
that may be considered; investigate and describe examples of the political, environmental and ethical issues related
to ownership and use of resources in space)