Star Wars: Exploring Our Universe
This fall, we will be studying physical science from the Milky Way Galaxy to the atom. We will learn about stars, our solar system, the structure of atoms, physical and chemical changes, the periodic table of elements, and force and motion. As young scientists we will explore the essential question that guides this expedition: How does our knowledge of science here on earth help us understand the universe? Our first case study, Becoming a Scientist, explores what it means to be a scientist, how to make educated inferences, and the importance of accurate measuring. Our second case study, In a Galaxy Far, Far Away, we will embark on a study of our galaxy and Earth's place within it. For our third case study, It's Elemental, we will dive into the periodic table of elements as we describe atomic structure and molecular motion. Finally, in our fourth case study, May the Force be With You, we will identify differences in force and apply Newton's Laws of motion. We are kicking off our expedition at Northstar as we star gaze with Tony Berendsen, owner and founder of Tahoe Star Tours. We will continue our study of the sky on our overnight to Mt. Rose. For more information on field work, click on the field work link at the top of the page. Pulling literacy and language arts into the science program, students will present a final product in the form of a poem that blends narrative with expository elements. These poems will be presented at a student-led Poetry "Slam".