Astronomy Timeline

A WebQuest for 9th Grade Comprehensive Science

Designed by

Mrs. Kessinger
jkessinger@ycstech.org


http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/nebula/2007/04/image/a/format/small_web

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits

Introduction

Science is a study that is constantly changing. Astronomy is the study of the stars, planets, and other objects that make up the universe. Beginning around 600 BC, Greek philosophers and scientists developed a number of important astronomical ideas. Over time, these ideas have evolved and many discoveries about the universe have been made. Even today, there are new planets and stars being discovered, and many are studying the fete of our universe. How did we get to the knowledge that we have today? What data has been collected to prove different facts about the universe? Most important, who laid the foundation for current research techniques?

How has the progression of astronomical discoveries influenced history as well as out technological advances?

The Task

Students will answer/complete the following……

  1. What is the history of astronomy?
  2. What tools did ancient astronomers use?
  3. Who discovered that the Earth orbits the Sun?
  4. Who was the first person to prove that the Earth rotates?
  5. Who was the first person to explain why the sun and stars move across the sky?
  6. Who was the first person to developed three laws regarding planetary motion?
  7. What are the laws of planetary motion?
  8. Why did ancient civilizations consider astronomy to be important?
  9. What is radio astronomy? When was it discovered?
  10. What is SETI? When was it started? By whom?
  11. Is Pluto a planet? Who decided this?
  12. Who was the first person to go to space on vacation?
  13. How does space research help with homeland security?
  14. Who is the “head honcho” of NASA?
  15. Make a list of astronomers and their discoveries/theories in a time-line format.
Astronomy Worksheet in Word Format.

The Process

First: ON YOUR OWN!! Use the links below to research and answer the task questions. Separate sheet is provided. These responses are to be hand written and in complete sentences.

Second: See Mrs. Kessinger to get your assigned partner.

Third: IN PARTNERS!! Create an “Astronomy Timeline”

Resources

Ancient Astronomers
http://library.thinkquest.org/26220/astronomers/ancient_astronomers.html

Ancient Astronomers NASA
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/980215e.html

Ancient Greek Astronomers
http://members.tripod.com/~JFrazz9/astr.html

Astronomy People in History
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/4515/HISTORY.html

Hubble Site
http://hubblesite.org/

NASA
http://www.nasa.gov/

Use NetTrekker at any time

NetTrekker
http://school.nettrekker.com/frontdoor/
User ID and Password are in the Media Center

Citation Machine
http://citationmachine.net/
Please use this reaource to develop your "Works Cited" area.

Evaluation

Grading Category

25

20

15

10

5

0

Number of facts

Timeline contains at least 25 astronomy facts, with at least two facts from each ½ century. (1600-2007)

Timeline contains between 20 and 24 facts with at least two facts from each ½ century. (1600-2007)

Timeline contains between 15 and 19 facts with at least one fact from each ½ century. (1600-2007)

Timeline contains between 10 and 14 facts with at least one fact from each ½ century.

(1600-2007)

Timeline contains between 5 and 9 facts, at least one fact from each century. (1600-2007)

Timeline contains less than 5 facts.

Fact Content

Facts are all correct and contain the reporting items: the person(s) responsible for the achievement, a graphic, the effect on society, and the source used.

Facts are all correct and contain three of the information items listed in the previous column.

Facts are all correct and contain two of the information items listed in the previous column.

Facts are correct and contain one of the information items listed in the previous column.

Facts contain no information items listed in the previous column.

Any incorrect facts.  Any facts that have been “cut and pasted” and have not been cited. 

Visual

Visual is very neat and organized.  It is very colorful and easy to read.  All content is formatted to fit on the chosen visual medium.  It is obvious that the student(s) have spent a great deal of time preparing the visual.

 Visual is neat and organized.  It is colorful and easy to read.  All content is formatted to fit on the chosen visual medium.  It is obvious that the student(s) have spent time preparing the visual.

 

 

Visual is somewhat neat and organized, colorful and easy to read.  All content is formatted to fit on the chosen visual medium. 

Visual is neat and organized but not colorful or easy to read.  Content is there, but is not formatted in the most logical way.

Visual is not neat and organized nor is it colorful or easy to read.  Not all content is there.

No visual has been made.

Mechanics

There are no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

There are very few (less than 5)  spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

There are several (6-10) spelling, grammar and/or punctuation errors.

There are many (11-15) spelling, grammar and/or punctuation errors.

There are very many (16-20) spelling, grammar and/or punctuation errors.

More than 20 errors.

Class

Participation

Student(s) steadily and constantly worked during class time available.  Was not distracting to other students.    Was “self guided” and able to create solutions to problems.  Used materials in an appropriate and respectful manner.

Students(s) work most of the class time available.  Did not distract other students.  Asked for help when appropriate and used materials in an appropriate manner.

Student(s) had to be reminded a few times to work and stay on task.  Distracted other students a few times.  Needed help to get started and did not think through problems on their own.

Student(s) were reminded several times to work and stay on task.  Distracted other students several times.  Often side-tracked and unable to solve small problems on their own.

Student(s) had to be separated from the rest of the class to get work done.  Constantly distracting others and not staying on task.  Failed to use materials appropriately.

Student(s) were so distracting that they could not complete the project in class.

Conclusion

At the end of this project, you should be able to explain where space study has been, where it is today and where it is going. You should be able to formulate some of your own ideas about the universe and where it came from. Of course we all still want to know……is there life out there????

Credits & References

Thank you, Mrs. Runkle for your help in developing this webquest. And also to the great students at Tech who try their best everyday!!

Last updated on 1 February 2007.
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page