Cosmology


 * Lessons**
 * 03/30: Solar System Today we will explore different models of our solar system, and learn how different models have different limits.
 * 03/31-04/01: Gravity & Planets Today we will use a PhET simulation to learn how gravity affects planets in a solar system.
 * 4/14: Gravity & Planets Review: Today we will review our Solar System simulations, and give you a chance to test your understanding with [|GQ1: Orbits & Gravity].
 * 4/22: UM Unplugged: Today we will go outside to use the triangulation method for finding the location of distant stars.
 * 4/23: Stellar Variety: Today we learn that not all stars are created equal! There is significant variety among stars, and this gives us clues about "how stars work". After studying [|some data], we will try [|GQ2]!
 * 4/24: Big Dipper: Today we learn how stars that look like they are all the same, and near each other in the sky, can actually be spread way out, with a range of luminosity. We will travel outside to mark out the location of the stars in the Big Dipper!
 * 4/27: Stellar Fusion: Why do stars glow? Do they run out of energy? How long will that take? Visit Cosmology Lesson 2 for some answers, a [|simulation], and a [|quiz].
 * 4/29-5/1: Stellar Evolution: Use the information in Cosmology Lesson 3 to create a creative "life-cycle" story. Write a short story, poem, or song! Use ComicLife, [|Xtranormal], or [|GoAnimate] ! Here is a Cosmology Showcase of student work!
 * 5/4: Review Game [[image:GJeopardyResults.png width="336" height="162" align="right"]]


 * Concept Summary**
 * Cosmology Lesson 1 : A Galaxy is Like a Box of Chocolates
 * Cosmology Lesson 2 : Gravity Ignites Stars
 * Cosmology Lesson 3: Stars Evolve and Die
 * Cosmology Lesson 4: The Universe is Really Big
 * Cosmology Lesson 5: The Universe is Expanding


 * Learning Objectives:**
 * Compare and contrast refracting and reflecting telescopes.
 * Explain the connection between stellar spectra and stellar properties.
 * Describe the relationship between temperature, mass, and luminosity of main-sequence stars.
 * Describe the processes of gravitational attraction and fusion in stars.
 * Describe the structure of a star.
 * Predict the life cycle of stars of various masses.
 * Use a logarithmic scale to relate galaxies, stars, planets, and people.
 * Summarize the evidence for the big bang theory.


 * Essential Learning Activities/Strategies/Technologies**
 * Build a Telescope (Reflector and Refractor)
 * Spectroscopic Analysis of Stars
 * Star Density Investigation (Aluminum Foil)
 * Kinesthetic Modelling of Universe Scale
 * Big-Bang Investigation (Elastic Band)