Grade 9 Science Astronomy Unit

Astronomy follows chemistry because this unit presents the story of the periodic table! Two important goals from the unit are exploring the origin of the elements of the periodic table and understanding how our observations of the sky allow us to figure out how planets, stars and even the whole universe work.

The study of astronomy starts in the daytime! We explore the most important object in the sky - the Sun and its apparent motion.  The story of a star is a competition between the force of gravity and electrical interactions (pressure). We introduce absorption spectra and review the particle theory of matter to model how stars work and how they manufacture new elements as they evolve over their lifetimes. Mathematical work is important in this unit: we use scientific notation, ratios, conversions, and speed calculations to help us understand the universe. The math is always highly structured and scaffolded to encourage sense-making. Our observations expand outward as we study galactic motion and the evolution of the universe. Finally, we are looking for other worlds like our own - with life!

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• Learning Astronomy by Inquiry