Space

Curriculum Outcomes

• Knowledge
• Skills
• STSE

Subtopics

	The Solar System
	Space Exploration
	Relative Position and Motion of the Earth, Moon, and the Sun
	Stars and Constellations

Overview

Space science involves learniing about objects in the sky to discover their form , their movements, and their interactions. For students , developing a concept of earth and space presents a new challenge . It requires extensive experience with modes to explore relationships of size , position , and motion of different bodies. In learing about space , students come to appreciate that human ability to observe and study objects in space is now greatly enhanced by technology. Students learn that manned and unmanned probes and earth-based devices are contributinng to our knowledge of space, and that new capabilites are being developed for monitoring the earth, for communications, and for the further exploration of space .

Focus and Context

A major focus in this unit is on using models to simulate and explore the interaction within the major components of the solar system and universe. By constructing models, the students can investigate, for example, the causes for the seasons. A second focus is on giving students opportunities to find up-to-date information about space exploration and about the various component of the solar system and constellations. Students will be exposed to electronic and print resources that can illustrate the wealth of knowledge that has accumulated about space, and learn skills for searching out and personalizing this knowledge.

Curriculum Links

From the unit, " Daily and Seasonal Changes " in primary science, students have been introduced to the concept of daily and seasonal cycles. In this unit on space, students will account for these cycles, and expand their knowledge of space by studying the components of space. This topic will be studied inmore depth in a grade 9 unit, "Space Exploration ".