Space Discovery Institute Earth Systems Science: Planetary Geology and Ecology Location TBD July 6-10, 2009 Monday, July 6, 2009 Explore the history (brief) and importance of the Red Rocks area Learn the importance of geology in finding and developing Earth s resources such as water, raw materials, and energy Learn the importance of geology in the development of the solar system and the potential for life on other planets and their moons Apply the knowledge of horizontality and superposition to learn the succession of rock layers (Stratigraphy) in the Pikes Peak region 7:40 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Registration Chrys Rheinbolt, Education Programs Coordinator, Space Foundation 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Welcome and Intro of Space Foundation Team and Administrative Details Chrys Rheinbolt, Education Programs Coordinator, Space Foundation 8:15 a.m. 8:30 a.m. UCCS: Overview of Graduate Program 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Why Geology is Important on Earth Why Geology is Important in the Solar System, US Geological Survey 9:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Introduction to Plate Tectonics 10:30 a.m. 10:45 p.m. BREAK 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Introduction to Geology Fundamentals 1:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m. Video: The Earth Has a History 1:45 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Introduction to Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary Rocks Law of Horizontality Law of Superposition Introduction to Geologic Time Scientific Write-up for Beaker Experiment 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. BREAK 2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary Rocks, continued Earth Systems Science: Planetary Geology, Location TBD - 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Learn the basic laws of sediment deposition and to demonstrate these laws with a simple experiment Be introduced to and reinforce scientific methodology by integrating this experiment into a scientific write-up Learn why the rock layers of the region are exposed discontinuously and why they are geometrically altered by faulting and folding Learn how studying Earth s geology will help to understand the geology of other celestial bodies Develop an awareness and understanding of the botany, animal life of the Red Rocks area 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Reflection of Day 1, Questions and Answers 8:15 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Regis University: Overview of Graduate Program 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Introduction to the Stratigraphy of the Pikes Peak Region Introduction to the Structural Geology of the Pikes Peak Region 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. BREAK 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Orogeny of the Red Rocks Region 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Video: Welcome to Mars 2:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. BREAK 2:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Comparing Lunar and Mars Geology to Earth Earth Systems Science: Planetary Geology, Location TBD - 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 Apply knowledge of the principles of horizontality and superposition; knowledge of rock identification; knowledge of stratigraphy and structural geology; and knowledge of plate tectonics to understand the geological development of the Pikes Peak region by field observations in the Red Rocks area Explore the effects of exercise and altitude on the human body Explore the temperature variance between locations and altitude 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Reflection of Day 2, Questions & Answers 8:15 a.m. 8:45 a.m. Travel to Red Rocks Park 8:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Red Rocks Geology Guided Tour 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Pikes Peak (or similarlocation) Kit Demonstrations The Effects of Exercise on Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure Temperature Differences in altitude and Light Conditions ph Soil and Water Analysis 2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. BREAK 2:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Discussion of Pikes Peak (or similar) Mission/Long-Term Space Travel Simulation Mission Patch Activity Earth Systems Science: Planetary Geology, Location TBD - 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 Engage in a descriptive study of Pikes Peak as it relates to the study of earth science Compare and contrast the surfaces in geology and ecology of Pikes Peak Analyze the effects of altitude on the human body s systems Calculate the differences in temperature at various altitudes 8:00 a.m. Meet at: Location TBD 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Travel to Pikes Peak (or similar location) 8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Mission to Pikes Peak The Effects of Altitude on Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure Temperature and Pressure Differences in Altitude and Light Conditions ph Soil and Water Analysis Psychological and Mental Data Collection 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. BOX LUNCH 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Mission to Pikes Peak (or similar location) The Effects of Altitude on Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure Temperature and Pressure Differences in Altitude and Light Conditions ph Soil and Water Analysis Psychological and Mental Data Collection 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Return to Denver Earth Systems Science: Planetary Geology, Location TBD - 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009 Evaluate and present information gathered from experiments Participate in presentations reflecting the mission to Pikes Peak Analyze data as it relates to the importance and problems associated with long term space travel Hypothesize on solutions to problems associated with long term space travel Discover the real truth behind Mission Patches Design and construct a Mission Patch 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Debrief of Mission to Pikes Peak (or similar location) 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Mission to Pikes Peak (or similar location) Group Data Poster Construction 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. BREAK 10:15 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Pikes Peak Mission Patch and Data Presentation 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Lesson Plan Group Presentations (Session 1) 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Lesson Plan Group Presentations (Session 2) 3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m. Course Memories Presentation 3:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Presentation of Certificates 3:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Course Evaluations Earth Systems Science: Planetary Geology, Location TBD - 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009 Space Discovery Institute Astronomy Principles for the Classroom: Kinesthetic Astronomy Location TBD July 13-17, 2009 Observe the moon to understand how it changes daily Be exposed to common misconceptions taught in classrooms today and how to correct them Be introduced to the universe and Earth s place in it Understand the relative sizes and different characteristics of basic objects in the universe (planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies) Gain an appreciation of the scales of distance and time associated with these objects Understand the astronomical origins of our methods of keeping time (hours, days, years) 7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Registration 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction from district representative 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Intro of Space Foundation Team and Administrative Details 9:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Regis University: Introduction to Graduate Program 9:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Moon Observation, Introduction to the Universe: Tour of the Universe, Senior Aerospace Education Specialist, Space Foundation 10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. BREAK 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Age of the Universe Scale Activity 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Cosmic Address Activity, Small/Large and Near/Far 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Powers of 10, Solar System Scale Activity 2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. BREAK 2:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Finish Solar System Scale Activity Astronomy Principles for the Classroom, Rocky Mountain Middle Schools 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Kinesthetically experience the orbital movements causing the seasons on Earth Gain a kinesthetic understanding of what stars become visible at what time from Earth Kinesthetically experience the orbital movements resulting in the apparent rising and setting of the sun and stars, and the appearances of constellations in the zodiac Understand the orbital movements resulting in phases of the moon as viewed from Earth Identify several key differences and similarities between Earth and Mars Become more familiar with the Mars Exploration Rover missions and their results Become familiar with various types of telescopes Understand the structure of the solar system Use the knowledge they have learned to observe objects in the night sky 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Reflection of Day 1, Questions & Answers 8:15 a.m. 8:30 a.m. NASA Mission Update 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Kinesthetic Astronomy: Introduction/Stars in the Night Sky/Constellations, Moon Observation 9:30 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Kinesthetic Astronomy: Earth s Seasons 10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. BREAK 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Mars: History of Exploration, Earth-Mars Comparison, Mars Rover Activity 1:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m. Return to the Moon 1:45 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Kinesthetic Astronomy: Phases of the Moon 2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. BREAK 2:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Telescopes and Planispheres Evening Activity 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Night Sky Observing (alternate night Thursday June 11, 2009) Location TBD Astronomy Principles for the Classroom, Rocky Mountain Middle Schools 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Discover what certain telescopes are used for and how they are used Discover how NASA explores the universe using the great observatories Construct a satellite based on knowledge gained Discover new ways to teach students about the electromagnetic spectrum Learn about the efforts to explore the inner solar system and the discoveries made to date Use that information in activities for the classroom Learn about the efforts to explore the outer solar system and the discoveries made to date Learn about what instruments scientists use to make the those discoveries 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Reflection of Day 2, Questions and Answers 8:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Exploring the Universe with Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra 9:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Building a Satellite Activity 10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Break 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Mapping a Spectrum -Scale Activity 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Exploring the Solar System: The Inner Planets 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Break 2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Exploring the Solar System: The Gas Giants and the Outer Solar System Astronomy Principles for the Classroom, Rocky Mountain Middle Schools 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009 Understand what the four basic types of space exploration are Participate in an activity that demonstrates the positives/negatives of each type of exploration Discover the new programs in progress for exploring our solar system Learn the science behind these programs and why we are sending them Learn the key ingredients needed for life Understand the indicators of life and how remote sensing might detect them Become familiar with the search for extra-solar planets and the concept of habitable zones Understand how the search for life elsewhere in the universe benefits life on Earth Learn where in the solar system we are searching for possible life Learn basic concepts involved in extreme life forms, and evolution in habitable environments Understand the Drake equation and the meaning of its various terms Learn about the connection that all life has to stars and supernova explosions Learn the key factors determining our local space weather environment 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Reflection of Day 3, Questions & Answers 8:15 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Why Explore? Activity 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Upcoming NASA Programs for Exploration 9:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Astrobiology Presentation/Extremophiles, The Drake Equation 10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. BREAK 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Inventing Life Forms Activity 1:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Cosmic Connection to the Elements 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. BREAK 2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Oobleck Lander Activity Evening Activity: 8:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Night Sky Viewing (alternate night) Location TBD Astronomy Principles for the Classroom, Rocky Mountain Middle Schools 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009 Observe the moon and review how the moon has changed from day to day throughout the week Learn about solar weather and how it impacts Earth Discover how NASA explores the universe using the great observatories Learn about computer resources available to support them in the classroom Present and receive useful feedback on creative lesson plans Gain insight and learn new ideas to help present astronomy topics in the classroom View sunspots and learn how they impact life on Earth Learn about the life cycle of stars and how to integrate activities into their curriculum 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Reflection of Day 4, Questions & Answers 8:15 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Moon Observation 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Solar Weather/View Sunspots/Compare to Real Time Data 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. BREAK 10:15 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Life Cycle of Stars, Star Baby Book Activity 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Lesson Plan Group Presentations (Session 1) 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Lesson Plan Group Presentations (Session 2) 3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m. Course Memories Presentation 3:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Presentation of Certificates 3:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Course Evaluations Astronomy Principles for the Classroom, Rocky Mountain Middle Schools 2009