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Planned Course of Study
APPLIED EARTH SCIENCE
HIGH SCHOOL
NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
6493 ROUTE 309
NEW TRIPOLI, PA 18066
NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH SCHOOL BOARD
2010
Gregory W. Snyder, President
Sally Schoffstall, Esq., Vice President
Paul C. Fisher, Jr., Secretary
Willard Dellicker, Treasurer
Camille S. Bartlett
Todd Hernandez
Donald J. Link
Darryl S. Schafer
William F. Towne
John E. Freund III, Esq., Solicitor
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Mary Anne Wright, Superintendent
Brian T. Uplinger, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Mark Scott, Director of Pupil Services
Luann E. Matika, Director of Human Resources
LeAnn M. Stitzel, Director of Curriculum and Technology
Dennis Nemes, Secondary Principal
Kenneth Fisher, Assistant Secondary Principal
Amy Nickischer, Assistant Secondary Principal
Laurie Hoppes, Middle School Principal
Ara Hoderewski, Middle School Assistant Principal
Jill Berlet, Elementary Principal
Renee Cartier, Elementary Principal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction and Level of Mastery 4 Description
Course Outline 5-26
INTRODUCTION
The Applied Earth Science curriculum guide contains planned course formats for the Northwestern Lehigh School District. The content of this document describes the objectives, activities, assessments, content, time frame, and standard alignment that serve as a guide to the specific units of study offered in Applied Earth Science. The Applied Earth Science curriculum guide is the product of much diligent work on the part of the following members of the Science department who contributed during the 2009-2010 school years:
Lorie Gamble Kevin Sunday
This document reflects their efforts to establish a well-defined and organized approach to teaching Science in the Northwestern Lehigh School District.
Approved by Northwestern Lehigh School District Board of Education
July 2010 LEVEL OF MASTERY DESCRIPTIONS � Recognition (R) Students will be able to recall concepts. � Application (A) Students will be able to apply ideas/skills to a curricular
concept. � Inference (I) Students will be able to evaluate and synthesize materials or
concepts.
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
September Cartography & Topography
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Locate points on Earth’s
surface by their latitude and
longitude
2. Describe the advantages and
disadvantages of different
types of maps
3. Read and use topographic
maps and explain how they
differ from other maps
4. Explain the importance of
topo maps
5. Create a Topographic Profile
3.3.10.A7
A
A
A
I
A
� Lab: Determining Latitude and
Longitude
� Activity: “Crack the Code”
(using coordinates)
� Discussion
� Lab: Reading Topo Maps
� Enrichment Activity: Profile
Construction
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (Google Earth &
USGS) Earth’s Grid System
World Map/Atlas
Ruler
USGS Topographic Maps
Calculator
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
September GEOLOGY
Minerals
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Explain how elements are
related to minerals
2. List the 5 characteristics of
minerals
3. Describe the processes that
result in mineral formation
4. Determine how minerals are
classified
5. List the major groups of
minerals
6. Identify and apply properties
of minerals
7. Identify common uses of
minerals
3.3.10.A1
R
R
R
A
R
I
I
� Demo: Crystal Formation
� Activity: What do we use that’s
made of minerals?
� Lab: Using Mineral Properties
� Lab: Mineral Identification
� Enrichment Project: “Mighty
Mineral” (Mineral Use
Research Project)
� Lab Practical: Mineral ID
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computer (research &
USGS)
Periodic Table
Hand Lens
Dilute HCl
Safety Goggles
Mineral Specimens
Graduated Cylinder
Beaker
Hardness Kit- Streak
Copper piece/penny
Glass piece
Iron Nail
Steel file
Magnet
Mineral Flow Chart
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
September GEOLOGY
Rocks
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Identify and classify the 3
major groups of rocks &
explain how they differ
2. Describe the rock cycle and
list the processes that power
it
3. Compare and contrast
intrusive & extrusive igneous
rocks & classify them by
cooling rate, texture &
composition
4. Describe the major processes
involved in the formation of
sedimentary rocks
5. Distinguish between clastic,
chemical and organic
sedimentary rocks
6. Predict where most
metamorphism takes place
on Earth and explain what
changes can occur
7. Recognize foliated and non-
foliated rocks and describe
how they form
3.3.10.A1
A
R
I
I
R
I
R
� Brainstorm- KWL
� Discussion
� Activity: Similarities &
Differences Among Rocks
� Rock Identification Labs
� Igneous
� Sedimentary
� Metamorphic
� Enrichment Activity: What
are these Mountains made of?
� Activity: Rocks Rock- From
Soft Rock to Heavy Metal
� Quizzes
� Lab Practical- Rock ID
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (USGS)
Handlens
Igneous Rock Specimens
Sedimentary Rock
Specimens
Metamorphic Rock
Specimens
Dilute HCl
Beacker
Eye Dropper
Rock ID Flow Charts
Sediment Samples
Hardness Kit- Streak
Copper piece/penny
Glass piece
Iron Nail
Steel file
Magnet
8 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
Sept/October GEOLOGY
Geologic History & Time
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. List key principles of
measuring geologic time and
describe how geologists use
relative dating in their work.
2. Describe how index fossils
and rock structures
(superposition) help date
Earth
3. Define the Geologic Time
Scale and explain how
geologic history is divided
4. Investigate the evolution of
life from simple to more
complex life forms over the
Earth's history
3.3.10.A3
3.3.10.A7
I
A
I
I
� Activity: Creating a personal
timescale
� Project: Time Periods
� Lab: Dating Events &
Sequencing Fossils
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers
(LiveScience)
Fossil Samples
Poster Board
Toilet Paper (or adding
machine tape)
Markers
Ruler
Scissors
Glue
Construction Paper
4 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
October GEOLOGY
Continental Drift & Plate Tectonics
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Describe the key principles
of the Continental Drift
Theory
2. Evaluate the evidence that
that supports the Continental
Drift Theory
3. Identify the main objectives
to Wegener’s hypothesis of
Continental Drift and relate it
to both slow and fast changes
that effect Earth’s landforms 4. Identify the 3 types of plate
boundaries and what occurs
at each 5. Predict future movement
possibilities of plates 6. Explain the process of sea-
floor spreading & its
evidence
3.3.10.A1
R
A
I
A
I
R
� Brainstorm – KWL
� Lab: Puzzle Fit Lab
� Activity: Modeling Plate
Boundaries
� Activity: Future Movement
Webquest
� Lab: Charting the Age of the
Atlantic Ocean (Sea-Floor
Spreading)
� Enrichment Activity: “Is
California Moving?”
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (research &
USGS)
World Map/Atlas
California/San Andreas
Map
Scissors
Ruler
Calculator
Glue
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
October GEOLOGY
Earth’s Interior
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Draw and label the layers of
the Earth
2. Describe the composition &
physical properties of each
layer of Earth
3. Explain how scientists
determine Earth’s internal
structure and composition
4. Compare and contrast the
lithosphere and
asthenosphere
3.3.10.A3
R
R
A
R
� Discussion
� Demo: Floating Crackers
� Activity: Draw and label the
Earth’s interior
� Quiz
Textbook
Crackers
Chocolate pudding
Animal Crackers
Shallow baking pan
Milk
2 days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
October GEOLOGY
Earthquakes
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast the
types of faults and their
cause/effects
2. Compare and contrast the
epicenter and focus of an
earthquake
3. Recall what causes
earthquakes
4. Identify the 3 types of
seismic waves and describe
how they are
recorded/measured
5. Understand how to locate the
epicenter of an earthquake
using triangulation
6. Identify major hazards
associated with earthquakes
and how damage can be
reduced
3.3.10.A1.
3.3.10.A3.
3.3.10.A7.
A
A
R
R
I
A
� Discussion
� Demo: Fault Blocks
� Demo: Slinky to simulate
earthquake waves
� Activity: Finding the Epicenter
(Triangulation)
� Lab: Virtual Earthquake
� Enrichment Activity: How
can buildings & bridges be
made earthquake-safe?
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (USGS)
Fault Blocks
Slinky
Ruler
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
October GEOLOGY
Volcanoes
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Describe the origin of
magma
2. Compare and contrast
magma from lava
3. Explain the relationship
between plate tectonics and
volcanism
4. Identify the different types of
volcanoes and factors that
determine the type of
eruptions that occur
5. Recall how volcanic
landforms form
3.3.10.A1.
3.3.10.A4.
R
R
I
I
A
� Discussion
� Demo: Volcanic Eruption
� Lab: Ring of Fire
� Activity: Dante’s Peak
� Project: Volcano Brochure
Project
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (USGS, National
Geographic, research)
White vinegar
Baking Soda
2-Liter soda bottle
Colored Pencils
Dante’s Peak movie
Construction Paper
Markers
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
October/Nov GEOLOGY
Natural Resources
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Identify and distinguish
between renewable and non-
renewable resources
2. Identify Earth’s fossil fuels
and the energy they provide
3. Determine alternative
sources of energy and
compare to today’s
consumption
4. Analyze conservation
practices across the world
5. Identify ways to
recycle/recover the wastes
produced in these processes
6. Identify new technologies
involved in crop production
and mining
7. Analyze the effects on the
environment and the carbon
cycle of using both
renewable and non-
renewable resources
3.3.10.A4
3.3.10.A2
3.3.10.A7
4.3.10.A
4.3.10.B
4.3.10.D
4.4.10.C
4.5.10.A
R
R
I
I
A
R
I
� Brainstorm - KWL
� Discussion
� Project: Evaluating types and
factors affecting the use of
Natural Resources
� Webquest: Energy
Conservation
� Enrichment Activity: Current
Events Article Journal
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (EPA, reasearch)
Local newspapers,
magazines and journals
7 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
November GEOLOGY
Weathering/Erosion, Soil & Mass Movement
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Identify types of erosion
2. Define mechanical and
chemical weathering
3. Identify the factors that
affect rates of weathering
4. Recognize the major
components of soil and list
the most important factors in
soil formation
5. Identify the soil horizons and
recognize how soil varies
with depth
6. Demonstrate how human
activity affects the rate of
erosion
7. Define mass movement and
identify the factors that
trigger them
3.3.10.A1
3.3.10.A4
4.2.10.A.
R
R
A
A
R
I
A
� Discussion
� Webquest: Kinds, Causes &
Effects of Weathering
� Lab: Rates of Weathering
� Demo: Soil Erosion
� Demo: Filter Lab for particle
size
� Project: Picture Collage
(school grounds weathering)
� Enrichment Activity: Chalk
weathering
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers
Rusty Nail
New Nail
Sand, silt & clay
Water
Beaker
Hand lens
Soil
Plastic container
Adjustable water bottle
Chalk
Weak Acid
4 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
November HYDROLOGY
Running Water & Groundwater
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Explain how the hydrologic
cycle circulates Earth’s water
supply in an unending cycle
2. Explain how the hydrologic
cycle is kept in balance and
its distribution
3. Identify parts of a river
valley and describe how
topography influences the
flow of water in a watershed
4. Explain how streams &
rivers develop as well as
erosion and deposition of
sediments that occur in each
5. Describe the location and
movement of groundwater
6. Explain the environmental
threats to water supplies
7. Identify how caverns form
8. Identify the different types of
wetlands, their characteristics
& their importance
9. Describe how natural &
human interactions impact
wetlands
3.3.10.A5.
4.2.10.A
4.2.10.B
4.2.10.C
I
A
A
A
R
I
R
I
I
� Brainstorm- KWL
� Discussion
� Activity: Hydrologic Cycle
Drawing
� Activity: What local rivers
exist and how do local bodies
of water affect our community?
� Demo: Stream Table
� Activity: Erosion
� Webquest: Major Rivers of the
World
� Demo: Groundwater Model
� Article reviews
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (EPA)
Stream Table
Rivers of the World Map
Map of the World/Atlas
Scissors
Markers
Colored Pencils
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
November HYDROLOGY
Water Conservation
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Brainstorm methods to
conserve water in daily life
and relate it specifically to
this region
2. Identify different forms of
water pollution and their
sources and describe
resulting health affects
3. Explain waste water
treatment and its relation to
water pollution
4. Describe the characteristics
of water (nitrogen, turbidity,
pressure, salinity,
temperature and dissolved
oxygen)
5. Identify the different marine
zones
4.2.10.A
4.2.10.B
4.2.10.C
A
A
A
R
R
� Discussion
� Activity:
o Personal Water inventory
over the course of a week
(prior to start of unit)
o Implement conservation
practices and gather data
for a 1 week period
o Analyze & graph data from
both weeks
���� Webquest: Current efforts
and methods to protect our
oceans
���� Enrichment Activity: Water
Quality Testing
���� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (EPA, research)
Graph Paper
Colored Pencils
Water test kit
2 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
November METEOROLOGY
Atmosphere
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast
weather versus climate
2. Identify and describe the
major layers of the
atmosphere
3. Identify the main gases of
Earth’s atmosphere
4. Explain why seasonal
changes occur
3.3.10.A6.
3.3.10.A7.
R
A
R
I
� Discussion
� Lab: Layers of the
Atmosphere
� Activity: Draw to scale, label
and characterize the layers of
the atmosphere
� Demo: Flashlight- Angles and
seasons
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (NOAA,
research)
Markers
Posterboard
Construction paper
Glue
Scissors
Flashlight
3 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
December METEOROLOGY
Heat Transfer
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Explain how heat and
temperature are related
2. List the 3 major mechanisms
of heat transfer
3. Compare and contrast the
heating of land and water
4. Describe how the atmosphere
is affected by heat transfer
mechanisms
3.3.10.A4.
3.3.10.A6.
A
R
A
A
� Discussion
� Lab: Analyze the heat transfer
methods utilized in boiling a
pot of water.
� Enrichment Activity: Tracing
the pathways by which solar
radiation is distributed
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (research)
2 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
December METEOROLOGY
Air Pressure and Winds
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able
to:
1. Identify the main properties
of air
2. Define air pressure and
describe how it is exerted on
objects
3. Identify the ultimate energy
source for wind
4. Describe how the Coriolis
Effect influences freely
moving objects
5. Identify the major wind belts
of the world
6. Explain how the unequal
heating of Earth’s surface
affects the atmosphere
7. Identify the causes of local
winds
3.3.10.A5.
3.3.10.A6.
R
A
R
A
R
A
R
� Demo: Relationship between
air pressure and temperature
� Demo: Proving the properties
of air
� Demo: Investigate Dew
Formation
� Enrichment Activity: Global
wind patterns
� Demo: Coriolis Effect
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers
(Weather.com)
Jar
Balloons
Glass of water
Ice cubes
Thermometer
3 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
December METEOROLOGY
Weather & Storms
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Explain what must happen
for precipitation to occur
2. Describe how clouds are
classified
3. Define air masses and how
they are classified
4. Identify the major air masses
that affect North America
5. Explain the formation of a
front and explain the weather
patterns associated with each
type of front
6. Differentiate between the
different types of storms and
conditions needed for them
to form
3.3.10.A6.
R
R
A
R
I
I
� Activity: Fronts Drawing
(foldable)
� Activity: Reading a Weather
Map
� Lab: Predicting the Weather
� Lab: WeatherCycler –
Gathering Weather Data
�
Project: Storms (research)
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (Weather.com,
Wunderground)
Weather Maps
5 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
December METEOROLOGY
Climate
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Describe how latitude affects
climate
2. Describe how mountains and
higher elevation and oceans
affect climate
3. Identify different types of
climates
4. Describe natural processes
that can cause changes in
climate
5. Explain the greenhouse
effect
6. Define global warming
7. List the global consequences
of global warming
3.3.10.A6.
3.3.10.A7.
R
A
R
I
R
I
A
� Activity: Climate Wall Mural
� Enrichment Activity: Global
Climate Investigation
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (research)
Poster Paints
Roll Paper
3 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
December ASTRONOMY
Intro
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Describe contributions of
various scientists in
astronomy
2. Compare and contrast the
geocentric and heliocentric
models of the solar system
3. Describe the movements of
Earth known as rotation and
revolution
4. Explain how gravity is
responsible for planetary
orbits
5. Recall Kepler’s 3 laws of
planetary motion
6. Explain how the solar system
is said to have formed 4 to 5
billion years ago and the
evidence that supports it
3.3.10.B1.
3.3.10.B2.
R
A
I
I
A
I
� Discussion: Formation of the
Solar System
� Article Assessment:
“Foucault’s Experiment”
� Enrichment Activity:
Astronomy Timeline
Textbook
Computers (Google Space)
2 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
December/Jan ASTRONOMY
Earth-Moon-Sun Relationship
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Model how the moon goes
through phases
2. Model how and why eclipses
and tides occur
3. Explain the history of the
moon
4. Explain the structure of the
Sun and its physical features
5. Explain how the sun
produces energy
3.3.10.B1.
3.3.10.B2.
I
I
R
R
A
� Demo: Observing Precession
� Demo: Moon Phases
� Lab: Moon Phases & eclipses
� Activity: Measuring the Angle
of the Sun at noon
� Demo: Earth and Solar Winds
� Enrichment Activity: Lunar
viewing with astronomy
binoculars
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (research)
Toy top
Globe
Flashlight/lamp
Basketball
Softball
Magnet
Iron fillings
Drinking straw
2 sheets Notebook Paper
3 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
January ASTRONOMY
Planets
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. List the major differences
between the terrestrial and
jovian planets
2. Describe the distinguishing
characteristics of each
terrestrial planet
3. Describe the distinguishing
characteristics of each jovian
planet
4. Compare and contrast the
terrestrial planets
5. Explain why Pluto is not
considered a planet
3.3.10.B1.
3.3.10.B2.
R
A
A
A
I
� Activity: What is the shape of
a planetary orbit?
� Demo: Speeding up a
spinning nebula
� Activity: Calculating your
weight on other planets
� Activity: Mars- Worth
visitng? OR Research “other
planets’
� Lab: Modeling the Solar
System
� Project: Living in space
� Quiz
Textbook
Computers (research)
Calculator
Cardboard
Pushpins
Ruler
String
Tape
Unlined paper
Chair that spins in place
Meter stick
Colored Pencils
Adding Machine Tape
4 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
January ASTRONOMY
Comets, Asteroids and Meteoroids
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Identify the location within
our solar system where most
asteroids are found
2. Describe the structure of a
comet
3. Explain the possible origins
of meteroids
3.3.10.B1.
3.3.10.B2.
R
R
A
� Demo: Modeling a Comet’s
Tail
� Enrichment Activity: Is
Earth on a Collision Course?
Textbook
Computers (research)
Fan
Light-weight paper
Tape
Streamers
2 Days
Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Applied Earth Science
January ASTRONOMY
Stars and Galaxies
Objective Standard
Alignment
&/or Anchor
Level of
Mastery
Suggested Activity and
Assessment
Materials Time
Frame
The student will be able to:
1. Identify the properties of
stars
2. Explain how distance affects
parallax
3. List the factors that
determine a star’s apparent
magnitude
4. Describe the relationship
shown on the Hertzsprung-
Russell Diagram
5. List the stages of a star’s life
cycle
6. Explain why the sun will die
7. Describe the kind, size and
structure of the Milky Way
Galaxy
8. Compare a contrast different
types of galaxies
9. List ways in which galaxies
differ from one another
10. Site evidence that the
universe is expanding
3.3.10.B1.
3.3.10.B2.
R
A
A
I
R
I
R
R
R
I
� Activity: Comparative
Analysis (Sun vs another star)
� Inquiry Activity: How do
astronomers measure distance
to nearby stars?
� Demo: Binary Star Motion
� Demo: Apparent & Absolute
Magnitude
� Activity: Draw the Life Cycle
of a Star
� Lab: Observing Stars
� Lab: H-R Diagram
� Demo: Modeling a Pulsar
� Activity: Create a
Constellation
� Unit Test
Textbook
Computers (Google Space &
Virtual Telescopes)
Star charts
Penlight
String
Tape
2 tennis balls
Ping pong ball
2 bright flashlights
1 dimmer flashlight
balloon
5 Days