Unit 6 - Are We Alone?
Inquiry Statement - Characteristics of systems leave evidence that provide patterns in which to examine our orientation in place and time.
Global Context: Orientation in Place and Time
Key Concept: Systems Related Concept(s): Evidence and Patterns
Learner Profile Trait - Open Minded
Global Context: Orientation in Place and Time
Key Concept: Systems Related Concept(s): Evidence and Patterns
Learner Profile Trait - Open Minded
(Some) Inquiry Questions - we will address these and more during this unit:
- What are the characteristics and location of the sun within our galaxy?
- How do we use light to understand the universe?
- How do scientists describe the components of the universe?
- How is the HR Diagram used to classify stars?
- How are different wavelengths of the EM spectrum used to gain information about the universe?
- What evidence supports scientific theories on the origin of the universe?
Unit 6 - Overview
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Lesson 1 - Understanding the Universe

understanding_the_universe_-_student_ppt__2019.pdf | |
File Size: | 1356 kb |
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understanding_the_universe_outline_notes_and_stations_2019.pdf | |
File Size: | 187 kb |
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Links for activity information:
1. The beginning of everything (video)
2. Types of Galaxies
3. Gravity of the situation (video)
4. Gravity visualized (video)
5. Earth - Perfect for Life
6. Life in the Universe - the Fermi Paradox (video)
1. The beginning of everything (video)
2. Types of Galaxies
3. Gravity of the situation (video)
4. Gravity visualized (video)
5. Earth - Perfect for Life
6. Life in the Universe - the Fermi Paradox (video)
Additional Related Information:
1. Our Expanding Universe
2. How do Galaxies Form
3. Galaxy Zoo (crowdfunded galaxy ID project)
4. Types of Galaxies
5. Video - Gravity in the universe
6. Video - gravity visualized
1. Our Expanding Universe
2. How do Galaxies Form
3. Galaxy Zoo (crowdfunded galaxy ID project)
4. Types of Galaxies
5. Video - Gravity in the universe
6. Video - gravity visualized
Lesson 2 - Light and Waves
What is Light? Class notes

what_is_light_-_student_ppt_notes.pdf | |
File Size: | 1242 kb |
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Student page (stations work MUST be done in class - they will not be posted)

light_and_waves_notes_and_stations.pdf | |
File Size: | 232 kb |
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Lesson 3 - Stars
Class notes:

stars_in_the_sky_-_class_notes_-_student.pdf | |
File Size: | 1929 kb |
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stars_in_the_sky_-_outline_notes.pdf | |
File Size: | 167 kb |
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Videos that accompany the notes are embedded below.
Life Cycle of a Star Activity Packet and Resources:

life_cycle_of_a_star_activities_-_student_packet.pdf | |
File Size: | 229 kb |
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Links to learn about stars (in addition to the videos below the star life diagrams):
1. Star Life Cycle
2. NSO - Life Cycle of a Star
3. NASA - Life Cycle of Stars
1. Star Life Cycle
2. NSO - Life Cycle of a Star
3. NASA - Life Cycle of Stars
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Lesson 4 - HR Diagrams

hr_diagrams_-_student_ppt_notes.pdf | |
File Size: | 2385 kb |
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hr_diagrams_student_notes.pdf | |
File Size: | 296 kb |
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Note - the HR activity is in class only, no parts of it are posted here.
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Lesson 5 - Universe Packet (print again if you loose your copy)

universe_packet_front_page.pdf | |
File Size: | 197 kb |
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staar_science_tutorial_gravity.pdf | |
File Size: | 104 kb |
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staar_science_tutorial_stars_galaxies_universe.pdf | |
File Size: | 263 kb |
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practice_using_the_hr_diagram.pdf | |
File Size: | 66 kb |
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staar_science_tutorial_electromagnetic_waves.pdf | |
File Size: | 258 kb |
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staar_science_tutorial_light_years.pdf | |
File Size: | 74 kb |
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Unit Review Resources:
10 amazing facts about the sun
Frank Drake Equation - explained in detail!
Video: Drake Equation
Scale of Earth, Sun and the Universe (several lessons) - Khan Academy
How were Stars Formed? - Khan Academy
Crash Course Video - Stars
HR Diagrams - Video: HR Diagrams
Smithsonian website on the universe - galaxies
Spectra of Elements
Hubble Telescopes Top Findings