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Elaboration
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Increasingly sophisticated technology is used to learn
about the universe. Visual, radio, and x-ray telescopes
collect information from across the entire spectrum of
electromagnetic waves; computers handle an avalanche of data
and increasingly complicated computations to interpret them;
space probes send back data and materials from the remote
parts of the solar system; and accelerators give subatomic
particles energies that simulate conditions in the stars and
in the early history of the universe before stars formed.
Benchmarks 4A3
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Specific Ideas
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- This is the time [grades 9-12] for all of the
pieces to come together. Concepts from physics and
chemistry, insights from history, mathematical ways of
thinking, and ideas about the role of technology in
exploring the universe all contribute to a grasp of the
character of the cosmos. In particular, the role of
gravity in forming and maintaining planets, stars, and
the solar system should become clear. The scale of
billions will make better sense, and the speed of light
can be used to express relative distances conveniently.
Benchmarks p. 65
- A great variety of radiations are electromagnetic
waves: radio waves, microwaves, radiant heat, visible
light, ultraviolet radiation, x rays, and gamma rays.
These wavelengths vary from radio waves, the longest, to
gamma rays, the shortest. In empty space, all
electromagnetic waves move at the same speed-- the "speed
of light." Benchmarks 4F3
- Mathematical models and computer simulations are used
in studying evidence from many sources in order to form a
scientific account of the universe. Benchmarks 4A4
- The basic idea of mathematical modeling is to find a
mathematical relationship that behaves in the same ways
as the objects or processes under investigation. A
mathematical model may give insight about how something
really works or may fit observations very well without
any intuitive meaning. Benchmarks 11B1
- The observed wavelength of a wave depends upon the
relative motion of the source and the observer. If either
is moving toward the other, the observed wavelength is
shorter; if either is moving away, the wavelength is
longer. Because the light seen from almost all distant
galaxies has longer wavelengths than comparable light
here on earth, astronomers believe that the whole
universe is expanding. Benchmarks 4F5
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