The Science and Technology of Space

Appendix-Content Standards

The Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology, which will be addressed in this curriculum unit, were taken directly from the Pennsylvania Teacher's Desk Reference and Critical Thinking Guide, and include the following

3.1.12 Unifying Themes: The unifying themes of science and technology provide big

ideas that integrate with significant concepts. There are only a few fundamental

concepts and processes that form the framework upon which science and

technology are based, which includes: the structure of matter.

E. Evaluate change in nature, physical systems and man made systems.

- Evaluate fundamental science and technology concepts and their

- Analyze how models, systems and technologies have changed over time (e.g. theory of solar system).

applying process knowledge that enables students to become independent.

learners. These skills include observing, classifying, inferring, predicting,

measuring, computing, estimating, communicating, using space/time relationships,

defining operationally, raising questions, formulating hypotheses, testing and

experimenting, designing controlled experiments, recognizing variables,

manipulating variables, interpreting data, formulating models, designing models,

and producing solutions.

A. Evaluate the nature of scientific and technological knowledge.

- Critically evaluate the status of existing theories (e.g. classification of subatomic particles).

- Organize experimental information using analytical and descriptive techniques.

of objects and their properties. In chemistry students study the relationship

between matter, atomic structure and its activity. Laboratory investigations of the

properties of substances and their changes through a range of chemical interactions

provide a basis for students to understand atomic theory and a variety of reaction

types and their applications in business, agriculture and medicine.

A. Apply concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

• Classify and describe, in equation form, types of chemical and nuclear reactions.
• Apply the conservation of energy concepts to fields as diverse as studies of the origin of the Universe.

Universe.

• Analyze the Big Bang Theory's use of gravitation and nuclear reaction to explain a possible origin of the Universe.
• Correlate the use of the special theory of relativity and the life of a

3.7.12 Technological Devices: Students use tools to measure, move, and make things.

Technology enhances the student's abilities to identify problems and determine

solutions.

B. Evaluate appropriate instruments and apparatus to accurately measure

materials and processes.

- Apply and evaluate the use of appropriate instruments to accurately measure scientific and technologic phenomena within the error limits of the equipment.