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Unit 4:
Space
Chapter 13:
Sky-Watching and the Solar System
Chapter 13 begins by developing students' skills in observational
astronomy by providing activities and ever-increasing information
that relate to looking at the night sky. Even students who never
look at the sky will develop skills and understanding to be able
to recognize constellations, distinguish planets from stars, and
explain how Earth's motion affects what we observe in the sky.
This chapter also presents detailed discussion of the solar system,
including the planets and the minor bodies.
Chapter 14: The Nature of the Universe
Chapter 14 explores the properties of stars, starting with the
star we know best, our Sun. Students learn a safe way to observe
the surface features of the Sun, and they study ways to model
the vast distances in the universe. The chapter also presents
galaxies and star clusters, giving students an idea of how huge
the known universe is.
Chapter 15: The History of the Universe
Chapter 15 presents the current theories of the evolution of the
universe, starting with the life cycles of starts of different
masses, followed by the formation of the solar system, then the
Big Bang and subsequent expansion of the universe. Because the
theories discussed in this chapter are constantly being fine-tuned
as new discoveries are made and questions asked, students learn
to appreciate the nature of science and to develop their own abilities
to question what they learn about.
Chapter 16: Space Research and Exploration
Chapter 16 explores the exciting field of space exploration, beginning
simply by comparing space flight and aircraft flight. Students
learn about various types of satellites, including their orbits,
purposes, and importance to our everyday lives. This leads to
human travel in space, focusing on the International Space Station
and the difficulties of living and working in space. The chapter
ends by looking at space spin-offs, space medicine, and the future
of space exploration.
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