Italicized font represents information to be shared orally or physically completed with the students at this time.

The non-italicized font represents additional information included to support the teacher’s understanding of the content being introduced within the CELL.

ASK WHY

Remind students that space exploration provides us with knowledge about the origins of our solar system, planet Earth, and human origins. Exploration within our solar system is important because it provides us with an opportunity to make advancements in science and technology which can be a benefit to all of humankind, such as in the areas of communications and remote sensing. Cellular technology, for example, is dependent on satellite communications. Satellites are also used to monitor changes in Earth’s climate and ocean circulation, for weather forecasting, in aviation and marine navigation, and for military reconnaissance.

BRANCH OUT

Remind students that cosmologists conduct observational and theoretical research to broaden their understanding of energy, matter, and natural processes throughout the universe, particularly beyond Earth. They also study distant galaxies and the birth and death of stars that live many light-years away. This helps explain how old our universe is in relation to other galaxies. Every day, cosmologists are discovering something new about our universe!

GET FOCUSED

GO DEEPER

As a class, read the Background(s) in the Investigation. Have students read the information aloud or silently to themselves. When students have finished, discuss the following concepts as a class:

• Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
• The First Law of Motion applies to the Sun, the Earth, the Moon and all other planets since they can be considered objects.
• Unless a planet is acted on by a force, its motion in Space will not be altered.

Note: These concepts are integrated into the Background(s) and are used to deepen students’ comprehension of the big ideas.

LEARN THE LabLearner LINGO

The following list includes Key Terms that the teacher should introduce, as appropriate, within the CELL. These terms should be used, as appropriate, by teachers and students during everyday classroom discourse.

• gravitational force

Note: The definition of this term can be found on the Introduction page to the CELL.

Note: Additional words may be bolded within the Background(s). These words are not Key Terms and are strictly emphasized for exposure at this time.

SET FOR SUCCESS

• Instruct students to think about the Earth’s revolution around the Sun and the Moon’s revolution around the Earth.
• Tell students that Investigations Three and Four will begin to give them an understanding of the motion and forces that govern the movement of the planets and the Moon.
• Direct students to complete the Recall section in their SDRs. Student answers may vary.

• Can you remember how to define force and the force of gravity?
• How does gravity relate to mass?

• Play the video below. Stop to ask students questions or answer students’ questions when necessary. Remind students to follow along with their SDRs and make any notes that they think might be helpful.
• After the video, direct students to divide into their lab groups to discuss their strategy for the lab. For example, they may assign certain group members to perform specific functions during the lab.

Note: The purpose of the video is to allow students to anticipate the laboratory experience they will soon encounter. Students should leave this PreLab session with a firm idea of what to expect and how to perform in the lab.

Note: Homework is posted below the video.

HOMEWORK

Tell students that they should review the Investigation in preparation for the Lab.