The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

“How Much Space?”

How Much Space?

A Secondary (8-12) STEM Lesson

Hannah McKolay

November 2023

Notes for Teachers

I use this lesson as a fun activity to visualize unit conversions and the immense scale of the universe. I love this lesson because I find it challenging to teach unit conversions with hands-on applications (other than standard measurement activities, of course!). It also allows us to get outside, which I try to do as much as possible!

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THIS LESSON TAKES UP SPACE. WE COMPLETE THE ACTIVITY OUTSIDE OR IN THE HALLWAY.

List of Materials

• Receipt Paper
• Toilet Paper
• Chalk (optional)
• Trundle Wheel with measurements
• Slides, handout, planet cards (1 per group), etc.
• Clipboards

Note: I have linked the most cost-effective options for some of the materials that I could find; however, there may be better options!

• I did not link the cheapest toilet paper I could, because it’s really hard to work with garbage toilet paper.

Standards

AZ Science Standard(s)

• HS+E.E2U1.15
• Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on how the nebular theory explains solar system formation with distinct regions characterized by different types of planetary and other bodies.
• HS.E2U1.17
• Construct an explanation of the origin, expansion, and scale of the universe based on astronomical evidence.

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Mathematics

• Measurement & Data (MD)
• Operations and Algebraic Thinking (OA)
• Ratio and Proportion (RP)

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ELA

• Reading (Informational Text)

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Technology

• 3. Knowledge Constructor
• Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.
• 5. Computational Thinker
• Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.

Objective(s):

• Visualize astronomical distances: create a visual representation of the solar system to scale, including the relative distances between celestial bodies to understand the role of scale models in aiding scientific understanding and communication.

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• Understand the vastness of the solar system: Students will be able to identify the major celestial bodies within the solar system, such as the Sun, planets, and moons and apply concept of astronomical units (AU) and its significance in measuring distances within the solar system.

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• Master unit conversions for astronomical measurements: apply unit conversions to translate astronomical measurements (e.g., kilometers, miles, AUs, light-years) into familiar units (e.g., meters, feet, miles), converting between different units to compare sizes, distances, and scales within the solar system.

Agenda (lesson time)

Bell Work (5 minutes)

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Anchoring Event (5 - 10 minutes)

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Instructions (5 minutes)

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Gather Materials, Walk Outside (5 minutes)

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Lab/ Exploration (15-20 minutes)

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Head back, assign homework, clean up (5 minutes)

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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Introductions

• Star Sizes
• To start this lesson, I play the video “Universe Size Comparison” This video shows the immense scale of the Cosmos.
• To make the introduction quicker, we could show images of various stars and explain how astronomers measure and compare the sizes and distances of stars.
• Metric System
• SNL has a fun, appropriate skit on the Metric System, too: “Washington’s Dream”

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Driving Questions

• How can we create an accurate and meaningful scale model of the solar system to help us grasp the vastness of our cosmic neighborhood, and what mathematical and unit conversion skills are essential in this process?"
• Why is it crucial for scientists and astronomers to use unit conversions to describe the solar system accurately, and how can we apply this knowledge to our daily lives?

Hands-on Activity

• Planet Notecards

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How Much Space? Classwork

Assessment

• Formative
• Concept Mapping
• Ask students to create concept maps or diagrams that illustrate the relationships between celestial bodies, distances, and unit conversions in the solar system.
• Homework
• Assign homework problems or worksheets that require students to perform unit conversions and calculate distances within the solar system.

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• Summative
• Unit Conversions Assessment
• Include questions that align with the lesson objectives such as calculating the time it takes to travel between planets.

Differentiation

Grouping Strategies

• Flexible Grouping - Allowing students to choose their own groups is valuable to ensure students are comfortable.
• Assigned Grouping - Strategically grouped to ensure members are complementary and focused.
• Specific strategy is selected in response to classroom context.

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Scaffolded Instruction

• Instructions and materials are clear, concise and organized into chunks with space for calculations.

Continued Education

• Extended Learning:
• QR Code with link to NASA recourse for contended learning included on the worksheet.
• James Webb Telescope conversation.

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• Research & Presentation Activity:
• Students are assigned a specific object of the solar system or universe and conduct in-depth research. They can then create a presentation to share their findings with the class. This activity fosters independent research skills and public speaking abilities.
• This is a suggestion and materials for a presentation and research project are not included in this lesson plan.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment