LabLearner—The Science of Learning
LabLearner—The Science of Learning

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Space

Investigation 4 – PreLab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Investigation 4

ZERO-IN

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 astronomers investigate how galaxies are formed and if supermassive black holes live at their centers. They determine the composition of a planet, its atmosphere, and its moons and also help plan voyages to other planets or the moon and explain the missions to the public.

GET FOCUSED

Inform students that the Investigation is designed to help them to answer the following Focus Question:

  • What causes the orbit of the planets around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth? Why are they important in maintaining the orbit of the planets and the Moon? The combination of forward motion and gravity causes the planets to orbit the Sun and the Moon to orbit the Earth. Without this precise amount of gravity, planets would either fly out of orbit in a straight line or they would be pulled toward the Sun.

Note: The Focus Question for Investigation Three and Four is the same. Students continue to explore the orbit of the planets through both investigations.

Note: This question is located in students’ SDRs at the beginning and end of the Investigation.

Note: This is a succinct response to the Focus Question and is placed here for your reference at this time. Fully developed responses to the Focus Questions can be found on the PostLab page.

GO DEEPER

  • There are no Backgrounds within Investigation 4.

 

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.

  • Newton’s First Law of Motion
  • force

Note: Definitions to these terms 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

  • Ask students what two factors influence the orbit of planets around the Sun and the orbit of the Moon around the Earth.

Note: The gravitational pull of the Sun and the forward motion of the planets causes the planets to orbit the Sun. The gravitational pull of the Earth and the forward motion of the Moon causes the Moon to orbit the Earth.

  • Ask students what would occur if the gravitational pull of the Sun or the Earth is taken away. 

Note: Student answers will vary. Tell students that this will be investigated through simulations during this Investigation.

  • Ask students what would occur if the gravitational pull of the Sun or the Earth is increased.

Note: Student answers will vary. Tell students that this will be investigated through simulations during this Investigation.

  • 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.