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How do you put something as large as the universe in perspective? Use a series of scale experiments. Classmates collaborate around four experiments to examine the scale of the earth-moon system, our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and stars throughout the universe. Thoughtful questions included in each procedure guide learning and provoke critical thinking.
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CCSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
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Instructional Ideas
- Provide models of the solar system to younger learners to help with visualizing distance
- Use the bonus questions to stimulate class discussions around experimental results
Classroom Considerations
- Pupils should have some prior knowledge of the placement of heavenly bodies within the universe
- Place class members in groups of two to three
Pros
- Teachers can modify all four experiments to include different age groups
- The experiments examine four different levels of scale, beginning with the earth-moon system and ending with the scale of individual stars in our vast universe
Cons
- None