Unit 1: Origins of Astronomy and Solar system formation Content Standards Content Objectives Iowa Core Statements Common Learning Targets Common Assessments Graduate Ends Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history. Ancient astronomy through 1609 Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Halley: Circular vs. Elliptical Orbits Tools of Astronomy Understand and apply knowledge of the origin and evolution of the earth system. I can compare and contrast the relative sizes and location of the following celestial bodies: asteroids, comets, meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. I can identify material evidence from the Earth and the Moon to formulate the early history of the Earth. I can use scientific reasoning to support the plausibility of Accretion Theory to explain the formation of the planets. At 3 weeks Graduates demonstrate strategies for lifelong learning Graduates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a rigorous curriculum integrated into all content areas Graduates demonstrate proficiency in science, including life, earth and physical science Graduates possess technological and information literacy. Unit 2: The Big Bang
Content Standards Content Objectives Iowa Core Statements Common Learning Targets Common Assessments Graduate Ends Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe. Cosmic Background Radiation Hubble and the Expanding Universe Understand and apply the origin and evolution of the universe I can identify the components of the electromagnetic spectrum. I can interpret the red shift/blue shift as it applies to the expanding universe. At 4 weeks Graduates demonstrate strategies for lifelong learning Graduates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a rigorous curriculum integrated into all content areas Graduates demonstrate proficiency in science, including life, earth and physical science Graduates possess technological and information literacy. Unit 3: Using Light to Interpret Stars and our Sun
Content Standards Content Objectives Iowa Core Statements Student-Centered Learning Targets Common Assessments Graduate Ends Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements. Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy in the form of radiation. Interpreting light spectrum Stellar evolution Galaxies Understand and apply knowledge of the components of our solar system I can describe the life cycle stages of a star. I can outline the process of how elements are created within a star. I can explain the process of nuclear fusion I can identify the anatomy of the sun. I can analyze the energy relationships between the mass, power output, and the life span of our sun and other stars. At 5 weeks Graduates demonstrate strategies for lifelong learning Graduates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a rigorous curriculum integrated into all content areas Graduates demonstrate proficiency in science, including life, earth and physical science Graduates possess technological and information literacy. Unit 4: Motions and of the Universe
Content Standards Content Objectives Iowa Core Statements Common Learning Targets Common Assessments Graduate Ends Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system. Scales of the Universe and the Solar System. Motions of the Universe and the Solar System. Earth moon and sun system Other astronomical bodies Understand and apply knowledge of the components of our solar system I can identify correct astronomical scales to identify sizes and distances. I can use an elliptical to differentiate between the orbits of different objects in the solar system. I can understand the forces affecting the motion of different objects in the solar system At 6 weeks Graduates demonstrate strategies for lifelong learning Graduates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a rigorous curriculum integrated into all content areas Graduates demonstrate proficiency in science, including life, earth and physical science Graduates possess technological and information literacy.