Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 08/22/04

9-12

G2: Research current explanations for phenomena such as black holes and quasars.

Organizing Questions

  • What is the current explanation for a black hole? A quasar? How do we know this?
  • Pick an astronomical phenomena and decribe the current research and newest theories about this phenomena.
Elaboration

The focus is on current research, new theories, and "hot topics" in astronomy.

Specific Ideas
  • Hypotheses are widely used in science for choosing what data to pay attention to and what additional data to seek, and for guiding the interpretation of the data (both new and previously available). Benchmark s1B2
  • Be aware, when considering claims, that when people try to prove a point, they may select only the data that support it and ignore any that would contradict it. Benchmarks 12E4
  • Investigations are conducted for different reasons, including to explore new phenomena, to check on previous results, to test how well a theory predicts, and to compare different theories. Benchmarks 1B1
  • In science, the testing, revising, and occasional discarding of theories, new and old, never ends. This ongoing process leads to an increasingly better understanding of how things work in the world but not to absolute truth. Evidence for the value of this approach is given by the improving ability of scientists to offer reliable explanations and make accurate predictions. Benchmarks 1A3.
  • Stars condensed by gravity out of clouds of molecules of the lightest elements until nuclear fusion of the light elements into heavier ones began to occur. Fusion released great amounts of energy over millions of years. Eventually, some stars exploded, producing clouds of heavy elements from which other stars and planets could later condense. The process of star formation and destruction continues.Benchmarks 4A2
Developmental & Instructional Implications

This is a strong connection to MLR "K", especially K1, K4, K6.

Examples

Back to Big Ideas Grid G
Back to Standard G
Back to Index