Intergalactic Planetery

Evidence of Work

The core purpose of this project was, unlike our previous projects, not to build something, but rather to draw out a model on paper in order to show a phenomenon of our choosing.

To begin with, we all drew our own individual models of the solar system on our own pieces of paper, so that everyone could start generating ideas and expressing them on separate papers. Next, we chose one model that we considered the most accurate, and copied it onto our big piece of paper. From there, we went through multiple revisions, eventually flipping the paper over and starting from scratch on the back.

Content

  • Gravity causes orbital motion and layers of the Earth and can be described using scientific models.

    • I can calculate the gravitational force between two objects using Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation.

    • (F=Gm1m2/d2)

    • I can predict the orbit of an object in the solar system.

    • I can model the Earth’s interior and surface movement by describing the cycling of matter by thermal convection.

  • Key Vocabulary

    • Universal Law of Gravitation

    • gravitational force

    • inverse square law

    • orbital period

    • orbital velocity

    • distance to sun

    • radius

    • rotation

    • revolution

    • Gravitational constant

    • Convection

    • Earth’s magnetic field

    • radioactive decay

    • density, crust

    • mantle

    • liquid outer core

    • solid inner core

  • Engineering Design Cycle

    • Identify the need

    • Research problem

    • Develop possible solutions

    • Select most promising option

    • Construct prototype

    • Test and evaluate prototype

    • Communicate design

    • Redesign

    • Repeat

Reflection

All in all, this project was a success, despite me being at home, sick, for 2 working periods, including the actual presentation. In every other way, I made a strong effort to be present and productive in every way.

Some things I did well were Collaboration and Communication. When we were working, I constantly tried to communicate ideas to my teammates, and did my best to include ideas. I must say, I felt a bit of a leadership role on my shoulders, and I think I did fairly well in regards to my ability to collaborating with teammates and communicating ideas.

On the flip side, some things I still need to work on (besides my immune system) include my ability to be a Conscientious Learner, and possibly Character as well. I noticed that I didn't really set goals for myself, nor did I manage time 100% effectively. As for character, I did my best during this project, I find myself getting annoyed or frustrated slightly easier than most.