Introduction to Physics: Explore Gravity, Eclipses & Patterns in the Galaxy
In this six week long, inquiry-based physical science course learners will use simulations, models, data, hands on labs, and primary sources to understand patterns behind eclipses, seasons, lunar phenomenon, and galaxy formation.
Malikai Bass M.A
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(316)
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What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will complete a variety of readings, models, hands-on activities, and interactives between class meetings. These assignments are integral for student understanding and progress to allow us to cover topics in depth at an accelerated pace.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
Intermediate Level
In this unit, students will delve into the captivating realm of space physics, focusing on celestial patterns like eclipses, lunar cycles, and seasons. We'll expand to explore galaxy formation, gravitational impacts, and phenomena over vast time scales. Just as we dissected speakers in sound physics, we'll virtually dissect cosmic structures, investigating accretion, galactic evolution, and competing theories. We'll engineer models to depict these intricate patterns and employ simulations to examine phenomena on macro and micro scales, spanning timelines from seconds to millennia. This course is designed for small communities of learners and is a hybrid of individualized tutoring and traditional instruction covering biology one content. Each section has no more than six learners which provide a foundation for strong relationships, social-emotional learning, and truly individualized instruction. These classes are specifically designed for the inclusion of neurodivergent learners including dyslexia-friendly font, explicit executive functioning skills instruction, and support for AAC users and through the use of inquiry and project based learning strategies grounded in real-world context. This series is designed according to the Next Generation Science Standards organized by subject area. The focus for this year is on physical science . This curriculum is designed to allow students to develop skills to help them in traditional academic settings including high school or colleges such as note-taking and self-led learning. The class meets two days a week and homework reading, activities, and text-based discussions are completed on two additional weekdays. Students will complete a science notebook, a printable designed by the teacher, using graphic organizers and traditional note-taking strategies. Week 1: - Grounding Phenomena- Manhattan Hedge - Initial Models - Driving Question Board - Understanding Patterns in the Sky - Human Connection and Interpetation - Perspectives and Angles Week 2 - North Star - Sunrise and Sunset as Continuous Patterns - Impact of Hemispheres - Changes in Length of Days - Individual Model Project Week 3 - How do changes in sunlight impact people? - Physical Model (Sunlight Lab) - Seasonal Temperature Differences - Explaining Manhattanhedge Week 4 - Lunar Cycle - Eclipses - Eclipse Physical Model) - Color Changes in Moon/Sun Week 5 - Light and Matter in the Atmosphere (Lab) - Light and Water Droplets (Lab) - - Venus Week 6 - Planetary Orbits - Galaxy Formation - Patterns not observable by the eye
Learning Goals
This unit builds toward the following NGSS Performance Expectations (PEs):
MS-ESS1-1: Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and seasons.
MS-ESS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
MS-PS2-4: Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
MS-ESS1-3: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
MS-PS4-2*: Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars
Patterns of the apparent motion of the Sun, the Moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, predicted, and explained with models. (MS-ESS1-1)
Earth and its solar system are part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is one of many galaxies in the universe. (MS-ESS1-2)
ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
The solar system consists of the Sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the Sun by its gravitational pull on them. (MS-ESS1-2),(MS-ESS1-3)
This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the Sun and the Moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the Sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year. (MS-ESS1-1)
The solar system appears to have formed from a disk of dust and gas, drawn together by gravity. (MS-ESS1-2)
PS2.B: Types of Interactions
Gravitational forces are always attractive. There is a gravitational force between any two masses, but it is very small except when one or both of the objects have large mass—e.g., Earth and the Sun. (MS-PS2-4)
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
A wave model of light is useful for explaining brightness, color, and the frequency-dependent bending of light at a surface between media. (MS-PS4-2)
However, because light can travel through space, it cannot be a matter wave, like sound or water waves. (MS-PS4-2)
Other Details
Learning Needs
Class is led and developed by an AUDHD educator. Transcripts are available for all audio-video content and simulations. Dyslexia friendly fonts have been chosen and tested. A teacher created workbook supports executive functioning.
Parental Guidance
Learners will use nearpod. Nearpod is a third party online tool which does not require a login or collect any identifying information. Learners should be supervised during hands-on labs which may require the use of skewers or scissors.
Supply List
Learners will need a teacher created printable workbook. Lab supply list will be provided upon enrollment.
Joined April, 2021
5.0
316reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been working in science-based museums doing curriculum, programming, and education for students in a variety of settings for over twelve years. I worked at the Creative Discovery Museum on a pilot program which involved biological science and dissections for home educated students. I served as a peer tutor for the biology class listed above and helped college level students with a variety of backgrounds and support needs obtain content mastery. I led programming on a variety of inclusive science based summer camps including those partnering with the local zoo and aquarium.
During my graduate degree, I worked on projects with the Seattle Aquarium and Burke Museum on science education concepts. I collaborated on the design of virtual field trips which supported concept standards in earth and life sciences and applied science through museum evaluation. I have been teaching science to students in grades k-8 online for over two years in a variety of settings and have seen significant success. Last year, many of my students achieved above the 90th percentile on nationally standardized tests.
At East Tennessee State University I completed the following courses receiving near-perfect grades and completing all extension and academic work:
Integrated Stem for Education Majors, which I applied to the development and teaching of this course through the inclusion of math, technology and engineering principles and which prepares me well to teach them.
Concepts in Biology this course was designed for those wishing to teach Biology at a K-8 level and included teaching demonstrations, standards, and preparation for the K-6 Praxis exam for science concepts on which I scored in the 96th percentile.
Life in the Universe this course was an exploration of life science using an inquiry based model and which inspired my adaptation for this course. It covered a variety of life-science topics. Based on my performance in this course, I was nominated for nationally competitive research internships.
Science Education: Wildife Conservation: As part of a science education track, I took an honor’s section of this senior course focusing on wildlife conservation which included a variety of life science skills and strategies for those teaching kindergarten through eighth grade. Reviews
Live Group Class
$180
for 12 classes2x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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