Galactic Explorers: Unveiling Secrets of Star Systems

High School Grade Project 2 weeks

Galactic Explorers: Unveiling Secrets of Star Systems

Chambrai P

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Purpose

Embark on a journey to explore and understand the intricacies of our solar system by comparing it with other systems in the universe. This project is designed to deepen your investigative skills through hands-on activities, allowing you to create models and simulations that demonstrate planetary motion and gravitational forces. By researching exoplanets and engaging in peer reviews, you'll gain insights into the diversity of planetary systems, culminating in a reflective art project and a presentation to showcase your discoveries and personal growth.

Learning goals

Your learning goals for this project include understanding the dynamics of planetary motion and gravitational forces within solar systems, developing skills in planning and conducting scientific investigations, and enhancing your ability to compare and contrast different planetary systems. You'll also aim to creatively express your scientific insights and personal reflections through visual art, while honing your presentation skills by sharing your findings and learning journey with peers. Additionally, you'll work on developing critical thinking and collaboration skills through peer review and constructive feedback sessions.

Standards

NGSS - HS-ESS1-4: Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
NGSS - HS-ESS1-3: Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Products

Create a 3D printed model of a selected exoplanet and its star system, highlighting key features and differences from our solar system. Design an interactive digital simulation that allows users to manipulate variables like gravity and orbit to see how different solar systems function. These products will demonstrate your understanding of planetary motion, gravitational forces, and the unique characteristics of exoplanets compared to our solar system.

Launch

Begin your project by sharing intriguing myths, facts, and legends about the universe and solar systems with your group. This will spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration. Use this session to discuss initial thoughts and questions, laying the groundwork for your investigation into the mysteries of our solar system and beyond.

Exhibition

Invite classmates, teachers, and family to a 'Planetary Presentation Day' where you deliver a short talk about your learning journey and insights gained from comparing solar systems. Use visual aids like your 3D printed model and digital simulation to enhance your presentation. Encourage attendees to ask questions and engage with your interactive simulation to deepen their understanding of planetary motion and gravitational forces.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Project Launch: Initiate your exploration by sharing intriguing myths, facts, and legends about the universe and solar systems with your group. Discuss initial thoughts and questions to set the stage for deeper exploration.	Research Activity: Investigate and compare the characteristics of our solar system's planets with those of exoplanets. Focus on factors such as size, composition, and orbit. Use reliable sources to gather information.	Hands-On Investigation: Start planning and carrying out a small-scale investigation that demonstrates planetary motion and gravitational forces. This could involve creating basic models using everyday materials to visualize concepts.	Model Exploration: Begin drafting your design for a 3D printed model of a selected exoplanet and its star system. Think about the key features you want to highlight and how they compare to our solar system.	Simulation Planning: Sketch preliminary ideas for an interactive digital simulation that allows users to manipulate variables like gravity and orbit. Consider the tools and software you might use for this task.	Reflection Preparation: Start conceptualizing a reflective art project where you will express your learning journey and emotional experiences through visual art.
Deliverables	1. Research Summary: Complete a summary of your research findings comparing our solar system with exoplanets, focusing on key characteristics. 2. Initial Model Design: Submit a draft design of your 3D printed model, outlining the features and differences from our solar system. 3. Simulation Sketch: Present a preliminary sketch or outline of your interactive digital simulation, indicating how it will function and what it aims to demonstrate.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Peer Review: Engage in a peer review session to exchange insights and provide constructive criticism on each other's research findings about exoplanets. Use this feedback to refine your understanding and improve your work.	Model Creation: Finalize and 3D print your model of the selected exoplanet and its star system. Ensure it highlights key features and differences from our solar system.	Simulation Development: Continue working on your interactive digital simulation, incorporating any necessary adjustments based on your initial sketch. Aim to complete a functional version where users can manipulate variables like gravity and orbit.	Reflective Art Project: Develop your reflective art piece that expresses your learning journey and emotional experiences throughout the project. Connect scientific concepts with personal growth through visual art.	Exhibition Preparation: Prepare for the 'Planetary Presentation Day' by organizing a short talk or presentation. Use visual aids like your 3D printed model and digital simulation to enhance your delivery.	Presentation Day: Participate in 'Planetary Presentation Day' where you present your learning journey and insights gained from comparing solar systems. Engage with the audience and facilitate interaction with your simulation.
Deliverables	1. Finalized 3D Model: Submit your completed 3D printed model of the exoplanet and its star system. 2. Interactive Simulation: Provide the final version of your interactive digital simulation, ready for presentation. 3. Reflective Art Piece: Share your completed reflective art project that connects scientific concepts with your personal growth. 4. Presentation: Deliver your presentation during 'Planetary Presentation Day', showcasing your discoveries and understanding of planetary systems.
Preparation