History of Astronomy
An Internet Treasure Hunt
...Theories about our place in the Universe...
Carrie Griffith, Chris Ray, Suzette Beasley
Gloria Rodriguez and Bonnie Klaerner
Coke Stevenson Middle School
8th grade Science

Introduction

Today you are going to complete an  internet treasure hunt.  You are to visit the list of web sites.  During your visits, you are to find  the birth/death date, nationality,  major discoveries/contributions, and  major theory developed.  When you have collected all the information on the astronomers, you are to create a database using Access  that places all your astronomers in a chronological order.  The order for your  headings will be: astronomer's name,  birth/death dates, nationality,  most important discoveries or major contributions (list two or more if possible),  an interesting personal fact(s), and major discovery or theory about our place in the Universe.  After you construct your database, you will need to answer the questions listed below and analyze what these people's discoveries and theories say about our place in the universe. Evaluation rubric can be viewed.

Create the Database
        Click HERE to obtain the list of astronomers.
 
 
Click  HERE  to open database.  Microsoft Access is required to open this database. As you create this database be sure to save your work to your student work folder.  Print two hard copies - one to turn in and one for use on a test later.


The Internet Resources

Questions for Discussion
     Answer the following questions in complete well developed sentences.
  1. Question 1- List one early theory about "our place in the universe" that is no longer correct?  Explain what this theory states and who developed it.
  2. Question 2 - What lead us to the discoveries that proved this idea incorrect?
  3. Question 3 - What kinds of thing happened to the early astronomers after they published their findings?  Cite several specific examples.
  4. Question 4 -  Choose one theory and relate how this theory has changed over the course of  history.  Cite the causes of the changes including the technologies and other people involved in the changes.

Pamphlet
          Create a colored pamphlet (side fold card) on a selected astronomer by using Microsoft Publisher.  Pay tribute to this person's contributions by including a picture or related image of the person (if available), birth/death dates,  illustration of the astronomer's major contribution(s) and  interesting facts about this person's life.  Place the name, picture or image and birth/death dates on page one.  On page two, place the illustration of the astronomer's contribution(s).  On page three using bullets, list the interesting facts about the astronomner's life.  On page four, put your name and class period along with any other appropriate astronomy clip art that you would like.


The Big Question
What is our place in the universe?    Write a paper or create a powerpoint presentation that discusses this question, citing  information, examples, and justification for the stand that you take.  Be prepared to present this in class and share your ideas.