Geophysical Science Lesson Plan #2

Unit: (Formation of the Universe, Earth, and Earths Properties)

Teacher: Chris Hauss
Date: 26 Jan 2015
Subject / grade level: 10-12th Geophysical Science
Materials:
iPads/Computer
Projector
GeoPhys Textbook
Poster Paper
Star formation research website (types of stars):
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/startypes.shtml
Star Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzE7VZMT1z8
Solar System Diagram: http://calgary.rasc.ca/images/iau0603Planets.jpg
Planet Formation Reading: http://hubblesite.org/hubble_discoveries/discovering_planets_beyond/how-doplanets-form
Planet formation video (short): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhsoekWtAl8
Unique planets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZ1kvIUFrU

Essential Standards
State: 3.1 (History of the Universe)
National: Ess1-2 (History of Universe)

Lesson objective(s):
Explain how stars form
Assess what unique physical properties contribute to different classifications of stars
Predict how clouds of dust eventually form planets over time
Connect unique properties of different planets with their formation and composition
Compare and contrast star formation with planet formation

Differentiation strategies to meet diverse learner needs:

Using independent reading methods in initial reading
Using group reading methods for content reading
Using textbooks or internet resources for research
Having choice between individual work and group work
Available to help students on an individual or group basis

Geophysical Science Lesson Plan #2

Unit: (Formation of the Universe, Earth, and Earths Properties)

Day 1:
Watch short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzE7VZMT1z8
and then orally summarize star formation
Research: (Small group or independent) on star classification. Starting
website:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/startypes.s
html Each student/group needs to select a major classification of star to
research until all are taken. Groups will record information on poster
paper and hang up to present.

Target Learnings:

Explain how stars form

Assess what unique physical

properties contribute to different
classifications of stars

Day 2:
Watch short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhsoekWtAl8
Have student read:
http://hubblesite.org/hubble_discoveries/discovering_planets_beyond/ho
w-do-planets-form, then have a class discussion about how planets
form.
Look at diagram of solar system:
http://calgary.rasc.ca/images/iau0603Planets.jpg Questions for
discussion: Why are some planets bigger than others? Why are some
planets made of different materials? Why are some planets gas while
others are rock?
Unique planets video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZ1kvIUFrU
Formal assessment: Have students add to quiz questions on the
material of the last 2 days.

Target Learnings:

Predict how clouds of dust

eventually form planets over time

Connect unique properties of

different planets with their
formation and composition

Compare and contrast star

formation with planet formation

Assessments:
Summative (Formal): After the 2 day lesson, students will create mock quiz questions. Each question must
relate to the content covered, cover the range of content from the past 2 days, and also needs to include the
answer/explanation for each question.
Formative (Informal): At the beginning of each class in this lesson, I will ask the class to explain what we talked
about the previous day, and then we will review for the first few minutes of class while asking for any
clarifications or questions.

Geophysical Science Lesson Plan #2

Unit: (Formation of the Universe, Earth, and Earths Properties)
Anticipated misconceptions/alternative conceptions:

That stars/planets have always been around/formed instantly instead of having been formed slowly
All stars are the same
The Sun is not a star
There are only planets in our solar system
Planets are mostly the same, and are similar to Earth