Galactic Evolution and Dark Matter

MODULE #8

GALACTIC EVOLUTION AND DARK MATTER

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: One 50-minute class period

MODULE OBJECTIVE:

Students will explore the formation of development of galaxies through billions of years.

CONCEPT(S) LEARNED IN THIS MODULE:

Galaxies are held together by gravity, change and interact with other galaxies, and may consist mostly of "dark matter".

STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS MODULE:

Maryland State Department of Education High School Science Core Learning Goals

The student will use a variety of resources to identify techniques used to investigate Earth and the Universe.
student will explain the role of natural forces in the formation of galaxies.

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES UTILIZED IN THIS MODULE:

Image Presentation
Computer Simulation

Module Overview

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Components Brief Description of Module Activities Student Grouping Materials / Technology

Engagement Students are asked to speculate about what holds galaxies together and why it is difficult to directly observe changes in them. Individual or small groups Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions.

Exploration Students are introduced to GalaxSee, a computer simulation of point masses used to simulate the interaction of objects in a galaxy. Assignment of Problem-Solving Activity: Galactic Evolution Individual or small groups GalaxSee Software

Explanation Discussion of student observations and conclusions, as well as elaboration of the current views about the existence of dark matter. Individual or small groups GalaxSee Software, screenshots

Extension Research on dark matter and its relevance to the possible fate of the universe. Individual or small groups Internet access

Evaluation Students will be evaluated based on their answers to the PSA. Individual or small groups Evaluation rubric

EXPECTED MODULE OUTCOMES:

Students will realize that galaxies are not static object, but instead interact and change with time, albeit slowly, and that our understanding of the universe is far from complete.

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF MODULE OUTCOMES:

GalaxSee problem solving activity

Components	Brief Description of Module Activities	Student Grouping	Materials / Technology
Engagement	Students are asked to speculate about what holds galaxies together and why it is difficult to directly observe changes in them.	Individual or small groups	Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions.
Exploration	Students are introduced to GalaxSee, a computer simulation of point masses used to simulate the interaction of objects in a galaxy. Assignment of Problem-Solving Activity: Galactic Evolution	Individual or small groups	GalaxSee Software
Explanation	Discussion of student observations and conclusions, as well as elaboration of the current views about the existence of dark matter.	Individual or small groups	GalaxSee Software, screenshots
Extension	Research on dark matter and its relevance to the possible fate of the universe.	Individual or small groups	Internet access
Evaluation	Students will be evaluated based on their answers to the PSA.	Individual or small groups	Evaluation rubric

MODULE #8

GALACTIC EVOLUTION AND DARK MATTER

Module Overview

Unit Flow Chart Unit Description Modules: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Unit Flow Chart
Unit Description
Modules: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8