Next Generation Science Standards
Science literacy and critical thinking skills
Developing and using models
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematical and computational thinking
Three dimensional lesson summary
Students use mathematical and computational representations of the physical and orbital properties of asteroids to reason about how gravitational interactions and asteroid size determine whether an asteroid is potentially hazardous to Earth.
Building towards:
HS-ESS1-4 Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
Science and Engineering Practices Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking | Use mathematical, computational, and/or algorithmic representations of phenomena to describe and/or support claims and/or explanations. (HS) Students calculate the probability of an Earth impact from a set of model orbits simulated by Monte Carlo methods. Students calculate the minimum and maximum asteroid diameters from its estimated albedo and absolute magnitude. | |
Analyzing and interpreting Data | Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (e.g., computational, mathematical) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims. (HS) Consider limitations of data analysis (e.g., measurement error), and/or seek to improve precision and accuracy of data with better technological tools and methods (e.g., multiple trials). (MS) Students use Monte Carlo-simulated orbital models to predict how successive asteroid observations can refine their orbits and alter the probability of an Earth impact. | |
Disciplinary Core Ideas | Kepler’s laws describe common features of the motions of orbiting objects, including their elliptical paths around the sun. Orbits may change due to the gravitational effects from, or collisions with, other objects in the solar system. Students apply their understanding of the minimum orbit intersection distance to decide if an asteroid might experience a change in orbit, causing it to become a threat to Earth. | |
Forces at a distance are explained by gravitational fields permeating space that can transfer energy through space. | ||
Crosscutting Concept Scale, Proportion, and Quantity | Students use algebraic thinking to examine scientific data and predict the effect of a change in one variable on another.
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Connections to Nature of Science Scientific Knowledge Assumes an Order and Consistency in Natural Systems |
Students use data to determine if an asteroid is potentially hazardous. | |
Physics - Earth-Space Science Correlation Table
Are you working on integrating Earth-Space Science standards into your Physics class? Click on the link below and make of a copy of this Google Sheet to search by Performance Expectation (PE), Disciplinary Core Idea (DCI), or Rubin Observatory investigation.