Lesson Plan of Space Exploration
General Science Grade VIII
Students’ Learning Outcomes
· Identify the technological tools used in space exploration.
· Describe development of tools and technologies used in space exploration.
· Analyze the benefits generated by the technology of the space exploration.
· Suggest the ways to solve the problems that have resulted from space exploration.
Information for Teacher
· Modern astronomy has shown that there are billions of galaxies and constellations.
· We live in Milky Way galaxy.
· There are eight planets in our solar system. They are revolving around a hot star sun.
· Space stations carry out those experiments and work in space that can’t be done on earth.
· The invention of telescope is important.
· Shuttles are launched into space by huge boosters called rockets.
· The shuttles mission usually last about a week.
· Satellites are sent into space through these spacecraft.
· Benefits generated by the space exploration technology are aviation safety system for pilots, weather forecasting and development in vehicles we drive.
· Invention of the telescope and the description of gravity are two milestones in the development of modern astronomy.
Concept Map
Material / Resources
Thermos pore sheet, different color chart papers, wires, cotton, poster colors, gum, scissor
Worm up activity
· Show a model of whole space, which is made on therm pore sheet. All the components, planets, stars, galaxies satellites, moon, comets, constellations etc. will be represented on it.
· Now ask the following questions to assess the previous knowledge of the students related to space.
Q1. Why we can’t walk in space properly?
(Expected response: because in space we have not weight)
Q2. What do astronauts bring into space to breathe?
(Expected response: Oxygen tank)
Q3. Why can’t you pour water in glass for yourself in space?
(Expected response: Due to weightlessness and lack of gravity)
Development
Activity 1
· This activity will be conducted in pairs or in group of 4 students.
· Instruct the students as:
o Imagine yourself as an astronaut going in space for the first time.
o You have to require a special space suit which can protect you in hazardous conditions while taking a spacewalk for your space mission.
o Investigate the following factors in space and suggest the solutions to these factors.
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Factors
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Details of your findings
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Suggested Solutions
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Oxygen
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Atmosphere Pressure
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Temperature
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Gravity
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Expected responses:
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Factors
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Details of your findings
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Suggested Solutions
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Oxygen
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No oxygen in space
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Astronauts carry oxygen cylinders for breathing with them
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Atmosphere Pressure
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No atmosphere pressure in space
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Space suit provides the required atmosphere pressure
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Temperature
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Cold
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Space suit keeps at optimum temperature
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Gravity
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No gravity
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Gravity is obtained by spinning the space ship
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Activity 2
· Draw the following table on the board:
S r# |
Space Exploring Tools |
Benefits |
1 |
Hubble Telescope |
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2 |
Space Suit |
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3 |
Navigation satellites |
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4 |
Communication satellites |
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5 |
Space Shuttle |
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· Now ask the students to copy and fill the table.
Expected responses:
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S r#
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Space Exploring Tool
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Benefits
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1
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Hubble Telescope
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Provide pictures of distant planets, stars and galaxies
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2
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Space Suit
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Protect from dangerous space effects such as no atmospheric pressure and low temperature etc.
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3
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Navigation satellites
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Provide aviation safety system to pilots
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4
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Communication satellites
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Provide audio video signals in every part of the Earth
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5
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Space Shuttle
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Carries astronauts and scientific devices needed in space exploration from earth in the space
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Sum up / Conclusion
· Explain the space concepts in key points in the end.
Assessment
· Ask the following questions:
Q1. Which galaxy contains the hot star “Sun?”
(Expected response: Our Galaxy named “Milky way”)
Q2. How can you explain the space?
(Expected response: Space is a place where stars, planets and galaxies exist)
· Now tell the students some suggestions to solve the problem related to space exploration and ask some suggestions from the students to check their point of view towards it.
I. As space exploration is very costly/ is it possible for every country to explore the space?
II. There are always some unforeseen risks in exploring space.
Follow up
· Make a chart on which paste “different technological tools such as telescope, space shuttle, space suit and different kinds of satellites.
