Earth and Space Science: Unit Outline

Grade & Subject: Grade 9 Applied Science

UNIT TOPIC AND LENGTH:
This unit provides an overview of the basic concepts in astronomy and
the key components in our solar system over a four-week period.

The unit is designed to begin at Earth and move further out into
space. The first part of the unit covers the different celestial objects in
our solar system and then moves on to discuss stars, other galaxies
and the Big Bang Theory

The final few days of this unit are used to discuss space exploration,
challenges of space travel and Canadian contributions to space.
OVERALL

CURRICULUM

EXPECTATIONS:

D2. Investigate the properties of different types of celestial

objects in the solar system and the universe
D3. Demonstrate an understanding of major astronomical
phenomena and of the principal components of the solar
system and the universe
D1. Analyze the major challenges and benefits of space
exploration and assess the contributions of Canadians to space
exploration
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What are the properties of
BIG IDEAS/ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS:
different celestial objects in the
Celestial objects in the solar
solar system?
system and universe have
specific properties that can be
investigated and understood.

Technologies developed for

space exploration have practical
applications on Earth.

What can we observe as a result

of the interactions between the
Earth, Moon and Sun?
How can we study and
investigate properties of our
solar system?
What is the role of technology in
space exploration and how have
these developments been used
in our society?

CONTENT:
The Sun creates its own energy
through nuclear fusion and its

SKILLS:
Conduct research by
gathering, organizing and
recording data from

heat and light are essential for

life on Earth

The Earth has properties that

are suitable for life. The Earths
tilt causes the seasons.

The Solar System is made up of

many different celestial bodies
with different properties

The motion of the Solar System

and basic elements are
consistent with the principles of
The Big Bang Theory describing
the expansion of the universe
There are millions of stars and
galaxies in the universe

appropriate sources
Analyze information to identify
patterns and relationships and
draw conclusions based on
data
Apply information in a different
context to solve a new
problem
Communicate ideas and
results using clear and concise
language and proper
terminology
Use critical thinking such as
problem solving evaluating
and interpreting information

There are advantages and

disadvantages to space
exploration
There are many challenges and
risks to astronauts living in
space

VOCABULARY/KEY TERMS:
Celestial Bodies, Lightyear, Astronomical Unit, Gravitational Pull,
Magnetism, Orbits, Luminous, Revolution, Rotation, Satellite,
Telescope, Thrust

ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE AND ACTIVITIES:

Initial Assessment
Misconceptions Quiz: Students have preconceived ideas and
misconceptions about space science and therefore, a misconceptions quiz is
an initial assessment tool to see what they know about space science and to
begin to breakdown those misconceptions.
Group Brainstorm: The students work together to answer open ended
questions about space and an initial assessment can be conducted during
this activity to understand previous knowledge of students.
Formative Assessment
Check-in Questions: Throughout the unit, students will be given 1-2
questions on a topic that was previously covered as a form of Assessment as
learning. This exercise is meant for students to reflect on their own learning
and determine if they understood the material.
Formative Quizzes: Whenever appropriate, students should be given

quizzes to help them prepare for the Unit Test without receiving a grade.
These quizzes help students practice for the test and allow for teacher
feedback on their progress at that point in time.
Formative Project: This project is called the Interplanetary Travel Project
where students choose a planet in our Solar System to research. The
students complete a research fact sheet to guide them on what information
is relevant. Using their research, students then create a poster which is a
fictional advertisement for their planet if it was possible to travel and live on
that planet, but still uses facts from their research. This project allows
students to conduct their preliminary research for their summative project
and receive teacher feedback on their work.
Summative Assessment
Summative Unit Test: This unit test gives students a platform to
demonstrate what they have learned from the unit. The questions are
divided in Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking and Inquiry, Application
and Communication.
Summative Project: This project is called the Create an Alien Project and
builds off the previous research done in the formative project. Students
conduct more in-depth research on their planet and then using this
knowledge, students must creatively design an alien that could survive on
their planet.

ACTIVITIES:
Solar and Lunar Eclipse WebQuest: Students will practice
analyzing and interpreting online information by answering
questions about solar and lunar eclipses through online sources
provided
Motion of the Solar System Demonstration: Students
physically demonstrate the two different theories of motion and
discuss the evidence that supports the different theories and which
one is accepted today (Geocentric vs. Heliocentric)
Surviving on the Moon Challenge: Students are provided with a
list of supplies and must work together to decide on the materials
that would be most helpful to them if they were stranded on the
moon.
Phases of the Moon Lab: Students use foam balls and a lamp to
explore why the phases of the moon occur and discuss the results of
their findings
Scale Model Activity: Students use online tools to explore why
creating a scale model is difficult and discuss the size of the
universe
Classifying Galaxies Activity: Students are given pictures of a
variety of galaxies and must create a way to classify the galaxies
into groups based on similarities. The activity is concluded with a
discussion of how astronomers classify them.
Balloon Lab: Students will use a balloon to demonstrate the
expansion of the universe and explore how the movement of the
planets is evidence for this.
Death of a Star Demonstration: Students will simulate the
formation of a black hole from the death of a star with a balloon, tin
foil and scissors.
Space Technology BINGO: Students have bingo cards with
different space technology on each space. When each technology is
called out, a short description of the history/use/importance is
given. Students who get a BINGO need to share with the class their
four items and one point from the description.
Astronaut Training Exercises: Students may test their skills
through a variety of challenges and learn what skills are necessary
for astronauts.

RESOURCES:
Science Connections 9 Grade 9 Textbook
Images of the Sun: https://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtimeimages.html
Lunar Eclipes: http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEprimer.html
Weight on Planets: https://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/
Scale Model: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/
ISS Tour:

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/suni_iss_tour.html