Physics of the Universe · Week 34 · Stars and the Origin of the Universe
Orbits and Night Skies
Using the mathematics of orbits to predict motion and protecting the dark desert sky through a team awareness campaign.
- Students will
- Students use Kepler's third law to predict orbital periods and explain how light pollution changes how many stars we see.
- SEL skill
- Choose fair roles and agree on a plan with a team
- What it looks like
- Students practice teamwork by choosing fair roles for a campaign that protects the dark desert sky.
- Content focus
- Orbits, dark skies, and a team campaign
- Format
- Group roles share
Relationship skills
Relationship skills are how you talk, listen, and work with others to build trust and handle conflict well. More relationship skills activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-ESS1-4: High School Earth and Space Science performance expectation
- Science and engineering practice: SEP5 Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Crosscutting concept: CCC3 Scale, proportion, and quantity
- CA Environmental Principles and Concepts: Principle II: People influence natural systems
- Literacy in science: RST.11-12.3 Follow a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments or taking measurements.
- Traditional course: Physics
Fits these textbook chapters
- Physics Techbook, Concept 2.4: Gravity
- Physics Techbook, Concept 2.5: Movements in Space
- Physics Techbook, Concept 6.2: Stars and Galaxies
- Inspire Physics, Unit 2: Gravitation
- California HMH Science Dimensions: Physics in the Universe, Unit 3: Forces at a Distance
Textbook names are used only to help you find activities that fit what you teach. RoseThread Connect is not affiliated with these publishers.
More relationship skills activities for Physics of the Universe
- Designing for Safety Relationship skillsTeams design a device that reduces collision force on an egg and share ideas so every voice shapes the design.
- Generating Electricity Relationship skillsExplaining how generators induce current and how communities negotiate where new power lines should go.
- Wind in the Pass Relationship skillsTeams design paper turbine blades, compare test data against criteria, and share roles to turn ideas into a stronger design.
- Earthquake Ready Relationship skillsExplaining how earthquake risk shapes where and how we live and building a family and class communication plan.
Previous: Stars Make Elements · Next: Reflecting on the Universe
RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.