Planning Index: Space Exploration |
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Grade 9 Science Unit Plan
Unit E - Space Exploration
( Science and Technology emphasis )
Grade 9 Unit Overview (Alberta)
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.
Concepts Covered and Developed through Instruction
- Technologies for space exploration and observation
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- reference frames for describing position in space and motion in space
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- distribution of matter through space
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- composition and characteristics of bodies
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- life support technologies
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- communication technologies
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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.
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What do the students already know?
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What is space science ?
What technologies are used to explore space ?
How do they interact ?
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What must they Learn?
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How science and technology interact and how one process augments the
other.
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General
Learner
Outcome
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Specific Learner Outcomes
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Instructional Focus
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Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and
space has depended on technological development
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1.0
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- perspectives on the nature of Earth and space
- technological advances
- distribution of matter in space
- position and motion of objects in space
- estimate distances of objects in space
- angular coordinates
- motions, alignments, and collision of bodies in space
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Timeline / Research and Viewing
AV Media
Lab Activities
Lab Activities
Lab Activities
Lab Activities
Lab Activities
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Focus 2
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Technological Problems
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Identify problems in developing technologies for space explorations,
describe technologies developed for life in space, and explain the scientific principles involved
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2.0
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- analyze space environments
- technologies for life-support systems
- technologies for space transport
- materials and processes to meet needs in space
- artificial satellites
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Lab Activities
Lab Activities
Lab Activities
Text / Rersearch
Research / Models
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Focus 3
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Deep Space Technologies
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Describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes
space probes and remote sensing technologies
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3.0
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- optical telescopes
( Hubble )
- role of radio and optical telescopes
- global positioning systems
- remote sensing
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Research / Models
Challenges
Building Models
Building Models
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Focus 4
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Issues about Space
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Identify issues and opportunities arising from the application of
space technology, identify alternatives involved, and analyze their implications
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4.0
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- risks and dangers
- Canadian contributions
- decision-making factors regarding space exploration and development
- ethical issues
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Research
Research / Viewing
Case Studies / Building Models
Problem Solving Challenges / Project
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