You and the Universe “Building the Universe” Mrs. Schmidt’s 8th Grade Science Unit 3, Lesson 1

Introduction Look again at the front slide…how many “spots” do you see in the background? Each tiny dot or spiral in that photograph are what we call a galaxies. This image was taken from space by a famous telescope known as the Hubble telescope, owned by NASA. As many galaxies as Hubble has captured and we know about today, there are millions more yet to be discovered. In this lesson, we will explore what we know about our own galaxy, known as the Milky Way galaxy, and where that fits in the scale of our universe. You should already be familiar with our solar system, the planets inside our solar system and our star, the Sun. But do you know what the parts of the universe are? In this WebQuest, we will explore together what makes up our universe and how scientists are discovering more pieces every day…

You are here: Click this image to enlarge and explore.

Review and Reading Follow the directions below for your reading assignment: Read the articles from these links. Please take notes as you read! –Review what you know about our solar system by reading this.Review what you know about our solar system by reading this. –Galaxy terms PDF; review before reading.Galaxy terms PDF; review before reading. –Galaxies PDF: read pgs. 1-10Galaxies PDF: read pgs When you are finished reading, explore the following websites: –3D Guide to the Milky Way3D Guide to the Milky Way –Categories of the UniverseCategories of the Universe –Galaxies Galore and MoreGalaxies Galore and More –Galaxy HunterGalaxy Hunter

Many Kinds of Galaxies remember this image – it is important!

Time for Teams! Now it is time for some teamwork! Break into your assigned teams. According to your number (1-4) follow the link below. Then, proceed to the next slide. #1: The Big Bang #2: Galaxies #3: The Milky Way #4: The Outer Solar System

Team Directions Each team member will go to BrainPop.com and watch a video on the topic your link sends you to. You are to become the expert on this subject!BrainPop.com Prove it! Take the REVIEW quiz for your video and write the question and correct answer on a blank sheet of paper. This will not be graded, but you need this to teach your teammates! When you have taken your quiz, print the activity questions/ vocabulary as well. Meet back with your group. As a group, each member will explain their subject and lead the group to answer the activity questions. When you have finished your questions, write a formal letter to Edwin Hubble, the great American astronomer, telling him all that we know today about galaxies and the universe! Turn your letter in for permission to proceed. Permission First

Help with Lab Diagrams

Laboratory and Write-up Download this PDF for your lab directions. You will be in charge or writing up your lab report as a group and turning it in to Mrs. Schmidt. Please, use a computer and follow classroom procedures for lab write ups. THIS WILL BE GRADED! See the following slides for your rubric and help with filling in the charts.PDF

Lab Report Rubric 0-3 points4-6 points7-10 points Introduction/purpose of assignment Introduction/purpose of the assignment is missing or completely incorrect. Student doesn’t understand the lab. Introduction/purpose of the assignment is vague, but it is clear that with some reinforcement, this student will succeed. Introduction/purpose of the assignment is clear, concise and well-stated. Student understands labs expectations. Information in lab report Information is missing or incorrect. Information is correct with few errors. Information is correct and student understands and shows command of the concept. Conclusion/ summary of lab Conclusion is missing or incorrect Conclusion is correct, but the reasoning behind it is flawed. Conclusion and reasoning are correct and well understood by student. Grammar and spelling 10+ errors in work5-10 errors throughout work 0-4 errors throughout work

Just for fun, in case your done! Click on these links if you finish early! Hubble telescope from NASA Amazing Space: Galaxies Too much light pollution? How Big is Big? How Small is Small? Explore BrainPop and everything about SPACE

Bibliography Additional Scholarly Information from: Chaisson, E. & McMillan, S. (2005) Astronomy Today. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. This presentation meets with all Standard 2.0 Earth/Space Science Objectives of Indicator 1 for Grade 8 for the State of Maryland School Districts.