2016-17 Curriculum Blueprint
Grade: 6th
Course Descriptions: Earth/Space
Approximate
Time:
Unit #11: Galaxies and Universe
Quarter 4
2 weeks
*Unit Overview
In studying the universe, students will recognize the enormous distance between objects in space. Students will apply their knowledge of light and space
travel to comprehend these distances. Students will compare astronomical bodies with regard to distance, size, and composition. Student will understand
the hierarchical relationships among solar systems, galaxies and the universe. Included in this, students will recognize the universe contains many
galaxies and that galaxies contain many stars.
*Human Growth and Development Unit must be taught before or after this unit, or before or after Space Exploration if it is used as the last unit.
Link to Human Growth and Development Unit
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Learning Goal
Students will be able to:
Discuss the composition of planets, stars, moons, asteroids,
nebulae, galaxies, dwarf planets and comets and describe the
hierarchical relationship between planets and other astronomical
bodies
Identify the components that make up a galaxy
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Sample Essential Questions
How does our planet compare to other astronomical bodies?
How do astronomical bodies compare to each other?
Learning Scales Self-Assessment
Focus Standards
SC.8.E.5.3 (AA) Distinguish the hierarchical relationships between planets and other astronomical bodies relative to solar system, galaxy, and universe,
including distance, size, and composition.
SC.8.E.5.2 Recognize that the universe contains many billions of galaxies and that each galaxy contains many billions of stars.
SC.8.E.5.1 Recognize that there are enormous distances between objects in space and apply our knowledge of light and space travel to understand this
distance.
Suggested Unit End Product or Teaching Task
Using current events in the classroom: Windows to the Universe
The above link will take you to a lesson plan that details how to complete this product. Make sure to choose current events that relate to the learning
goals for this unit. Students write and present at your discretion.
6th grade Earth/Space Science DRAFT
Writing Recursive Standards
LAFS.68.WHST.1.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific
content.
Text Support
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Fastest Speeding Star Article: Speeding Star
Use Literacy Design Collaborative Link for literacy task.
iScience Textbook: Chapter 20,Lesson 4 “Galaxies of the Universe”.
Use Launch lab for expanding universe.
Reading Recursive Standards
LAFS.68.RH.2.6 Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view
or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
LAFS.68.RST.3.8 Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on
research findings, and speculation in a text
Suggested Labs, Activities and Tasks
 Where Am I in the Universe? This Is A Pretty Big Place
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Scale of the Universe Scale of the Universe
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Universe Interactive SC.8.E.5.3 : Universe
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Objects in the Universe activities SC.8.E.5.3:
Objects in the Universe Site
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Galaxies Online Lesson SC.8.E.5.2: Classifying Galaxies
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Expanding Universe Lesson SC.8.E.5.1 : Expanding Universe
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“2 inch universe” Lab SC.8.E.5.3: Guide pdf, Cutouts pdf, Word Doc
instructions
6th grade Earth/Space Science DRAFT