LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 6

The learner will acquire an understanding of the earth in the solar system and its position in the universe.

Objective 6.05

Evaluate astronomers' use of various technologies to extend their senses:

  • Optical telescopes.
  • Cameras.
  • Radio telescopes.
  • Spectroscope.

Resources aligned to this objective

History of astronomy scavenger hunt
A unit on astronomy inevitably and rightfully begins with a look at the history of astronomy. This activity provides students with an opportunity to learn the basic facts of the history of astronomy by using the internet.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Geol 130.
The problem with parallax
Students will increase their understanding of astronomical measurements by using parallax to measure distances on their school campus. They will also gain an appreciation of the difficulties with such measurements by statistically analyzing the class' results.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Geol 130.

Lesson plans on the web

Black holes
This Science NetLinks lesson introduces students to the science of black holes. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Designing a space station
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students assess and evaluate a winning design plan that was submitted by students to NASA as part of the Space Settlement Design Contest. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
An introduction to remote sensing
This lesson combines several resources from NASA's Observatorium to teach about remote sensing. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Seasons: Why it's essential
In this lesson, students review the basics of the seasons and design their own monuments to keep track of and commemorate the seasons. In the process, students review their understanding of the science behind the seasons and learn some theories about monuments such as Stonehenge and Medicine Wheel. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
The technology of Mars exploration
This lesson asks students to research the types of technology that are used to map and explore Mars. Students will imagine that they are working as “technology experts” for NASA, and will create visual presentations to show the American public the types of technology that their tax dollars are funding for Mars mapping and exploration. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Tracking the movement of sunspots
This activity from Science NetLinks is part of a three-part series of lessons aimed at showing students how our knowledge of the universe must be inferred through the use of scientific tools. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science