NASA Physics for Real Beginners: Earth, Moon, and Space
Target Grade(s): 5 to 12
Overview:
This course will showcase activities you can do with your students today to illustrate core concepts of physical science. Physical science activities focus on one-dimensional motion, forces and aerodynamic principles. Participants will use free, simple-to-use, software simulations from NASA Glenn. Applications are appropriate for grades 5 - 12. The software and material will teach concepts simply, visually and in an exciting manner.
Standards-based topic areas include:
Physical Science:
Gravitational fields; Gravitational force; Planetary motion; Kepler's laws; Circular motion; Centripetal force; Action-reaction forces
Science Process Skills:
Making and Testing Hypotheses; Abstraction and symbolic representation; Deductive and inductive reasoning; Critical thinking; Use of Information technology; Image Interpretation; Forming Conclusions; Using Models; Measurement
LIVE Sessions:
Session 1: Topics: Earth's gravity; Properties of gravitational fields; Microgravity
Session 2: Topics: Universal gravitation; Kepler's Laws
Session 3: Topics: Circular motion; Centripetal force; Orbits and satellites
Session 4: Topics: Newton's Third Law; "Escaping" gravitation
Additional Study:
After the live sessions, participants select from a variety of assignments in order to complete the necessary hours to earn credit for the course. Assignment choices include:
- Develop a Webquest for your students about a course topic.
- Create a portfolio showcasing work you have done with students related to course materials.
- Develop a unit plan using resources from the course.
- Create a presentation for your students explaining course concepts.
Participants Receive:
- Refresher or intro to physical science concepts
- Web page with ready-to-use classroom applications from NASA
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