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Lesson Title: Points of Light
Universe
Grade Levels: 7-9
Connection To Curriculum:
Science, Mathematics
and Technology
Teacher Prep Time: 2 hours
Lesson Time Needed: 4 hours
Complexity: Moderate
Keywords: stars, galaxies,
constellations, star field, sampling,
light pollution, telescope, planetarium,
online activity
Materials:
Scissors
Pencils
Pens or pins to poke holes
Flashlight
20- by 25-foot, 4-mL black plastic sheeting
Large roll duct tape
Large black trash bag
Window- or floor-level fan
Extension cord
Pencils
Pens or pins to poke holes
Flashlight
20- by 25-foot, 4-mL black plastic sheeting
Large roll duct tape
Large black trash bag
Window- or floor-level fan
Extension cord
Description
This lesson guide integrates a series of activities looking at and measuring objects in the night sky.
Objectives
Students will:
• Discuss the effect of light pollution on the number of objects visible in the night sky.
• Differentiate between stars and galaxies.
• Discuss the cultural implications of constellations and create a constellation myth.
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Lesson Guide Points of Light Lesson [103KB PDF file] |
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Lesson Activities and Sequence
The suggested sequence introduces students to counting stars by statistical sampling and progressing through to an exploration of physical and then visual groupings of stars.
- Light Pollution Star Count
Students use a work sheet provided by Globe at Night to determine the level of light pollution by using observable magnitudes.
Keywords: light pollution - Counting Your Lucky Stars
Students use statistical sampling to estimate the number of stars in a portion of the sky.
Keywords: star field, sampling - Hubble Deep Field Academy
Students use a Web activity to count and classify galaxies.
Keywords: Hubble Space Telescope, online activity, sampling - Stories in the Sky
Students create a constellation in a portable planetarium and write a constellation myth to explain it.
Keywords: constellations, stars, planetarium
National Standards:
National Science Education Standards, NSTA
Science as Inquiry
• Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world.
• An appreciation of "how we know" what we know in science.
Earth and Space Science
• Earth in the solar system.
• Origin and evolution of the universe.
History and Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor.
• History of science.
• Nature of scientific knowledge.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, NCTM
Statistics and probability
• Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population.
ISTE NETS Performance Indicators for Students, ISTE
Research and Information Fluency
• Process data and report results.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and make informed decisions.
Science as Inquiry
• Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world.
• An appreciation of "how we know" what we know in science.
Earth and Space Science
• Earth in the solar system.
• Origin and evolution of the universe.
History and Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor.
• History of science.
• Nature of scientific knowledge.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, NCTM
Statistics and probability
• Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population.
ISTE NETS Performance Indicators for Students, ISTE
Research and Information Fluency
• Process data and report results.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and make informed decisions.