Page 57 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Science, 2008 (revised)

d2.2 use direct observation, computer simulation, or star charts to determine the location, appear- ance, and motion of well-known stars and other celestial objects that are visible in the night sky (e.g., the stars Polaris, Sirius, Betelgeuse; the planet Venus) [PR, AI]
d2.3 plan and conduct a simulation that illustrates the interrelationships between various proper- ties of celestial objects visible in the night sky (e.g., set up flashlights of various intensities at different distances from an observation point to help illustrate why the brightness of a star viewed from Earth is a function of both its actual bright- ness and its distance from Earth) [IP, PR, AI]
d2.4 gather and record data, using an inquiry or research process, on the properties of specific celestial objects within the solar system (e.g., the composition of their atmosphere, if any; the composition of their surface; the strength of their gravitational pull) [IP, PR, C]
d2.5 compare and contrast properties of celestial objects visible in the night sky, drawing on in- formation gathered through research and using an appropriate format (e.g., compare the size of planets; represent the distance of stars from Earth using scientific notation; compare star temperatures and colour) [PR, AI, C]
D. Understanding Basic Concepts
By the end of this course, students will:
d3.1 describe observational and theoretical evi- dence relating to the origin and evolution of the universe (e.g., evidence supporting the big bang theory)
d3.2 describe observational and theoretical evi- dence relating to the formation of the solar system (e.g., evidence that supports the theory that the solar system was formed from a con- tracting, spinning disc of dust and gas)
d3.3 describe the major components of the solar system and the universe (e.g., planets, stars, gal- axies), using appropriate scientific terminology and units (e.g., astronomical units, scientific no- tation, light years)
d3.4 describe the sun’s composition and energy source, and explain how its energy warms Earth and supports life on the planet (e.g., with reference to the types of radiation the sun emits and the interaction of the sun’s energy with Earth’s atmosphere)
d3.5 explain the causes of astronomical phenom- ena (e.g., the aurora borealis, solar eclipses, phases of the moon, comets) and how various phenomena can best be observed from Earth (e.g., solar eclipses should be viewed through a suitable solar filter or by projection, not with the naked eye)
d3.6 describe various reasons that humankind has had for studying space (e.g., to develop calendars for agricultural purposes, to forecast weather, for celestial navigation, for religious inspiration) and the conceptions of the universe held by various cultures and civilizations (e.g., Aboriginal peoples; ancient Greek, Mayan civilizations)
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: THE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSE

Science
SNC1D