Embedded Files
Unit 2 - Non-Contact Forces and Space. (We moved electric and magnetic from unit 2 to unit 4. This allows us to connect these standards with electromagnetic waves and a discussion of how speakers work.)
Unit 2 in 8th Grade focuses forces and movement in space. We look at the role of gravity from Earth to our solar system and beyond. We also look at the sun Earth, Moon, Movement.
In these assessments we address the standards:
MS-PS2-4 Construct evidence and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
MS-ESS1-1 Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclical patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons. (We cover seasons in 6th Grade)
MS-ESS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
MS-ESS1-3. Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system. (This is also covered in Unit 4)
We all apply some of the Unit 1 standards, such as those about Newton's Laws in this unit. We also address some background information about the Solar System in here that isn't directly connected to the standards, but is important to know to understand the rest of the information.
In this assignment students are getting a lot at the types of objects we see in space. In looking at the slides we discuss the heirarchy of astronomical objects.
Milky WaY Story
Milky WaY Story
In this assignment students collect information on the Milky Way in the past, present, and future. Students take notes and organize it in the notes document. This is turned into a story or a comic about the "Life Story" of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Websites for Students to Research:
DCI: MS-ESS1-2
SEP: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
CCCS: Cause and Effect, Stability and Change
Old Assessments. We previously grouped all activities in the unit into Assessments or Learning Progressions where the students had to complete one part to move on to the next. We still follow the mastery and revision idea of this, but we have broken up the activities into pieces. This has helped keep students on track and have more students experience more of the material. With the previous model you might have students only attempt Part 1, which meant that they were not exposed to a lot of the material in the unit.
For each assessment below the link will take you to a page about that assessment including the student document and teacher document as well as notes about the assessment parts and other activities.
Mini - Research Activity
Mini - Research Activity
Students were given a scenario, "The Sun has suddenly begun expanding far ahead of when we though this would occur. Thankfully Elon Musk has created a fleet of near-light speed spacecrafts that can ferry us to a new planet. Each group researched a question related to the scenario and presented it to the class.
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