Our Tiny Corner of the Universe

Introduction

There is so much out there beyond just our minuscule, insignificant world. For this reason, it is important to have some basic knowledge about what's out there. In this web quest, students will learn some basic info about what's in the universe, learn about how earth compares in size with the rest of the universe, and learn some fun facts along the way.

Task

  • Gain some basic knowledge about space

  • Gain a better understanding of earth's place in the universe

  • Learn some fun facts

Process

  1. How big is the universe? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC7yFDb1zOA  What are your thoughts about your size of the universe? Is it what you expected?
  2. Understanding gravity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTY1kje0yLg Can you give another analogy for how gravity works?
  3. Understanding astronomical objects: curious.astro.cornell.edu
  4. (click PLANETS AND DWARF PLANETS) What are the inner four planets called? What are the outer four planets called? What makes the groups different from each other?
  5. (go to THE MOON) Why is there no atmosphere around the moon? Is there a dark side of the moon? Why/ why not?
  6. (go to THE SUN AND SOLAR SYSTEM) What percent of the mass of our solar system does our sun account for? How hot is the sun? What are the two main components of the sun?
  7. (go to SUPERNOVAE) Which element may cause the outer layers of a star to collapse inward? What process does a star go through? [click QUESTION 8] What is the difference between a nebula and a supernova?
  8. (go to BLACK HOLES AND QUASARS) How did Einstein justify the existence of black holes? How is a regular black hole formed?
  9. (go to GALAXIES) What are the three categories of galaxies? What happens when two galaxies merge?

Evaluation

  1. All questions answered:  /9 pts.
  2. Well thought-out responses:  /10 pts.
  3. Demonstrated understanding of the material:  /12 pts.
  4. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar:  /9 pts.

Conclusion

What was the coolest thing you learned about space? What should kids next year also learn about in regards to space? (not graded, I just need feedback)

Credits

Size of the universe video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC7yFDb1zOA

Gravity demonstration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTY1kje0yLg

Astronomy info site: curious.astro.cornell.edu

And to Micaela, for saying "Do a web quest about space!"