Embedded Files
The Year 12 Depth Study ‘Biosignatures: Characterising Exoplanets with Spectroscopy’ aims to engage students in a unique application of spectroscopy – the ability to detect life on exoplanets. This is an unusual yet compelling application of spectroscopy which will motivate a now crucial component of the new HSC Syllabus.
The Year 12 Depth Study ‘Biosignatures: Characterising Exoplanets with Spectroscopy’ aims to engage students in a unique application of spectroscopy – the ability to detect life on exoplanets. This is an unusual yet compelling application of spectroscopy which will motivate a now crucial component of the new HSC Syllabus.
This depth study consists of
9 online lesson plans and resources
suggested assessments
a capstone excursion to the UNSW Chemistry laboratories
In this capstone excursion, students will:
engage with authentic scientific experiments in a hands-on experiment where they will use UV-visible spectrometers to investigate the composition of sample “planets”,
engage directly with researchers to discuss science, university and career.
Note that in 2020 due to COVID19, the on-campus excursion was cancelled.
This depth study links with a popular worldwide current research topic, including by UNSW researchers, and thus inherently links research with teaching.
The depth study is designed to bridge the gap between high school and university science skills with
introduction to university data analysis using information technology tools
independent research components
scaffolded “Speaking to a Scientist” sessions
scientific debate (suggested assessment - optional).
The ‘Biosignatures: Characterising Exoplanets with Spectroscopy’ depth study is a way to encourage passion in your students, skill development and provide authentic information about university life and scientific career paths.
The currently drafted structure of the excursion includes:
Hands-on lab experiment involving finding the composition of simulated planets using UV-visible spectrometers (this uses techniques in an optional Module 8 experiment)
Discussion session with UNSW researchers, where students can ask questions about science careers, their debate topic and science in general
Tour of UNSW laboratory facilities, including infrared and mass spectrometers (relevant to Module 8)
For more information about this depth study, consider the below documents
Depth Study brief (below)
Teacher Rationale document (below), highlighting how our depth study addresses syllabus requirements
Suggested assessment criteria and scaffold (below)
Please contact me at l.mckemmish@unsw.edu.au for further details.
Depth Study Brief
UNSWDepthStudyBriefing.pdfTeacher Rationale
Teacher Rationale.pdfAssessment Criteria (suggested)
Assessment Criteria.pdfGoogle Sites
Report abuse