Collaboration Across Cultures Global Astronomy: Collaboration Across Cultures

Science in the Media: General Lesson Information

Objectives

  • Students will learn about or enhance their knowledge in astronomical concepts: black holes, active galactic nuclei, and satellites.
  • Students will reflect on how new knowledge and discoveries affect their view of the world and their future experiences.
  • Students will learn how to effectively communicate with different audience groups.

Knowledge Prerequisites

  • Students have a basic understanding of science and astronomy concepts.
  • Students have the knowledge and basic skills of internet research and presentation software.
  • Students have life experiences in viewing a televised or internet-produced news report.

National Standards

National Science Standards:

  • NS.9-12.4 Earth and Space Science
  • NS.9-12.7 History and Nature of Science

National Language Arts Standards:

  • NL-ENG.K-12.4 Communication Skills
  • NL-ENG.K-12.6 Applying Knowledge
  • NL-ENG.K-12.7 Evaluating Data
  • NL-ENG.K-12.8 Developing Research Skills

Estimated Class Time

Entire Lesson Plan: 6-7 class periods
Session 1: 2-3 class periods

  • Class 1: Introduction, group formation, allocation of roles, and independent research
  • Class 2: Finish independent research, share research with group members, assimilate research into presentation
  • Class 3: Upload presentation to a sharing website, peer review, and wrap-up discussion

Session 2: 2 class periods

  • Class 1: Discussion about audience, group formation, begin group analysis of articles
  • Class 2: Finish group analysis of articles, share analysis results, wrap-up discussion

Session 3: 2 class periods

  • Class 1: Read Media Kit, formulate questions, watch press briefing
  • Class 2: Re-watch press briefing (if needed), work on student pieces


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