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Grade Level: 7th

Subject Area: Earth Science

Units: Astronomy/Solar System

Time Frame: 4 days

Teacher Preparation: Reserve the computer lab for 4 days. Ask the media specialist to pull books on this topic from the shelves for reference.

Enduring Understandings:

• Objects in the solar system move in predictable patterns.

• Descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models are based on evidence.

Introduction: On the average each year, there are 6 constant, fairly dependable meteor showers. A meteor is a piece of "rock" or space debris that falls into the Earth's atmosphere and "burns" up, creating a glowing, streaking effect through the night sky. A "meteor shower" occurs when numerous pieces of space debris hit the Earth's atmosphere for several hours making a visually pleasing array of glowing streaks.

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The Hook: Pigwarts is in total chaos. The "one who shall not be conquered" has cast a spell on the master of Pigwarts, Professor Stumbledore. Professor Stumbledore has been turned into a fruit fly, with a life expectancy of 4 days. Perry Cotter and you are on a special quest to rescue the professor and turn him back into the master of Pigwarts. While browsing through the ancient book of wizardry, Kermione, Perrys' friend, found that the only way to break this evil spell is to have Professor Stumbledore experience a magical "meteor shower". This will disrupt all cosmic particles and break the evil spell, thus, returning Professor Stumbledore to his original form. You, Perry, Don and Kermione must try to save the professor before it is too late. They suggest you start researching the subject matter immediately! You must use the internet (muggle wizardry) to gather information. Perry, Don and Kermione will try and trap the professor in a fruit fly trap.

Your quest is to investigate the cause of "meteor showers". You need to predict (forecast) the next occurance of a "meteor shower" for Earth, OR make one of your own. You will determine if this "meteor shower" can save the professor in time. Explain the concept in poster form, support it with an illustration or model. The clock is ticking; Stumbledore's life will quickly come to an end in 4 days! Can you help save the Professor?

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On-Level Ability Students:

Part A: You are to investigate the cause of regular meteor showers.

• Use Resources table for web sites and cite resources in your written work.
• What object creates them?
• Explain how meteor showers are produced from this object.
• Draw a diagram of the solar system to illustrate this explanation.
• Explain what creates the "rock" debris found in the solar system.
• Identify and define all "new terms".

Part B: You are to investigate visual effects of meteor showers.

• Describe the "visual effect" of the meteor shower. What will they appear to "look like" in the sky.
• Draw a "visual" representation of the meteor shower to show Perry, Don & Kermione what to look for in the night sky.

Part C: You are to investigate 3 of the 6 regular meteor showers seen from the Earth during a calendar year. Write a short report on each including the following points.

• Name each of the 3 meteor showers you have chosen.
• During which calendar days of the year can you expect to see each.
• Why does each occur at that time? What object created each meteor shower?
• Name the constellation from which each appears to be coming.
• Given the current date, will one of the 3 meteor showers you chose occur in time to save Professor Stumbledore? Why or why not?

On-Level Ability Scoring Tool

Scoring Tool: (50 points total)

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Honors Ability Students:

During your research you have found that none of the annual meteor showers will occur in time to save Professor Dumbledore! You, Perry, Kermione and Don must create (make) your own special "meteor shower". Follow these directions.

Part A: You are to investigate the cause of regular meteor showers:

• Use the Resources table for web sites and cite them in your written work.
• Explain how meteor showers are produced and tell what object causes them.
• Identify and define all "new terms".
• Draw a "visual" representation of the meteor shower to show Perry, Don & Kermione what to look for in the night sky.

Part B: You are to make a 3-D model of the inner solar system to show how you would create this meteor shower.

• After researching, "create" your own meteor shower.
• Give it a name and tell what day of the year your meteor shower will occur.
• Tell the constellation from which the meteors will appear to be radiating.
• Explain what materials and in what amounts you will need them in order to make this special meteor shower.
• Tell what "solar system motions" you must activate to produce this shower.
• Make a 3-D model illustrating the cause of these showers.

Honors Level Ability Scoring Tool

Scoring Tool: (50 points total)

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Resources:

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Major Indicators:

2.7.9 Explain that the motion of most objects in the solar system is regular and predictable and explains phenomena.

1.7.8 Analyze and summarize data to identify trends and form a logical argument about the cause and effect relationships and supports arguments with evidence.

Learner Outcomes:

• Scientific inquiry: Access and process information from reading and investigations.
• Scientific inquiry: use observations, research, and select appropriate scientific information to form predictions and hypothesizes.
• Critical thinking: Analyze and extend patterns.
• Application of Science: Apply scientific principles and/or concepts to new situations.

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Animation: Animation Factory

Developed by Susan Schmitt,

susan_schmitt@fc.mcps.k12.md.us.

Robert Frost Middle School

Last Updated on March 17, 2002