Expanding the Universe Lesson Overview
The student will make inferences and explanations based on observations recorded using student-made model of the universe during an investigation using a balloon.
Resources
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| Duration 2 days @ 50 min/day |
Setting Classroom |
Grouping cooperative groups of 3-4 students |
PTI Inquiry 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.8, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 |
| Lesson Components | Time | Inquiry Skills | Tech. Used | Engage Level | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engage | 5 min (day 1) | 1.1, 1.3 | Proboard or smartboard, electronic devices | 2 | Students view and discuss a video clipabout our expanding universe. Then they contemplate if our universe has a boundary and if yes, what might be beyond that boundary.(Alternate also available) |
| Explore | 30 min (day 1) | 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.8, 7.3 | none | 3 | Students use a balloon to model the universe. They draw three dots representing 3 galaxies in the universe and then blow up the balloon. Taking measurements, they begin to understand how it is that scientists come to believe that the universe is expanding. |
| Explain | 15 min (day 1), 30 (day 2) | 7.4 | Optional Electronic Devices | 2 | Students read a piece of given text and use guided/active reading strategies to better understand the concept |
| Expand | 10 min (day 2) | 7.3 | Optional Electronic Devices | 3 | Students can make a choice from the choice board to either create a radio show, create a travel brochure or make a song/rap about our expanding universe. |
| Evaluate | 10 min (day 2) | 7.2, 7.3 | Optional Electronic Devices | 2 | Students complete a chart with the data from the explore stage. Then students respond to active reading questions as formative assessment and complete a review as a summative assessment. |
| Level of Student Engagement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low | Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction | ||
| 2 | Medium | Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance | ||
| 3 | High | Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered | ||
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