NASA Glenn Videoconference: Space and the Solar System

Subject Area(s): Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Grade Level(s): 9 - 12
National Standards:
Science
Unifying Concepts and Processes - Systems, order, and organization; Evidence, models, and explanation; Change, constancy and measurement; Form and function.
Science as Inquiry - Understandings about scientific inquiry.

Mathematics

Algebra - Represent situations that involve variable quantities with expressions, equations, inequalities, and matrices.

 Technology

Technology Research Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.

 Objectives:

  1. Students will develop an accurate model of the solar system and use the model to analyze the aspects of spatial relationships and how spatial relationships affect space exploration.
  2. Students will investigate facts about planets within the solar system through fictional writing and presentations.
The videoconferencing workshops offered by the NASA Glenn Research Center's Learning Technologies Project introduce students to a variety of concepts/innovations involving space science, earth science, human exploration and development of space, and aerospace technology. The pre- and post-conference activities are intended to supplement the "Space and the Solar System" videoconference presented by Joe Kolecki. 

In the pre-conference activity, students will create a salt dough scale model of the solar system by collecting data and completing the conversion chart provided in the activity. As a post-conference activity, the students will complete a short, science fiction story.

Assessment: Pre- and post-conference assessment tools are provided.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on their participation in the group. Individually, they will be evaluated on their research, written work, and presentation within the guidelines of the rubric.

 Submitted by: Benjamin Marquette and Stacey Lightfoot, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

Videoconference Description and Videoconference Description
Pre-conference assessment and answers
Pre-conference activity, worksheet, and answers

Post-conference activity

Post-conference assessment and answers

Please send any comments to:
Web site related: Curator
Content related: Joe Kolecki (Joseph.C.Kolecki@grc.nasa.gov)