NGSS Physics of the Universe: Integrating Physics and Earth and Space Science
Kognity’s online resource for high school Physics – with integrated Earth and Space Science – is designed to inspire students to think like scientists, in line with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as well as state-specific science standards.
NGSS-aligned Curriculum for High School Physics
This Physics of the Universe digital resource includes 6 units. Each unit features an anchoring phenomenon that you and your students explore in a number of modules containing both digital and hands-on activities.
Units include: Forces and motion; Forces at a distance; Energy conversion and renewable energy; Nuclear processes and Earth history; Waves and electromagnetic radiation; Stars and the origins of the universe.
Get a glimpse inside a Kognity lesson
Explore Physics of the Universe Module 6.1: What powers the sun?
Anchoring phenomenon
In this module, students learn about how something happens inside the sun that makes it radiate the electromagnetic waves that travel through the vacuum of space and reach Earth.
Engaging with the question
Introducing the module question: “What powers the sun? Will the sun’s source of energy ever end?” students begin by sharing observations of what they see, without making connections to meaning. Next, students can build on their observations to make connections to meaning.
Creating and sharing initial ideas
Students will describe what they have learned about the “fuel” of the sun. Then have the student share their ideas within small groups. You may also wish to have a class discussion at the end of the sharing activity to further share and solidify ideas.
Returning to the Driving Question Board
This is where students are provided the time to reflect on what they have learned and to record new questions they can add to the Driving Question Board.
Students are prompted to generate at least one new question based on their observations of how closely the organisms are related to one another, using a think-pair-share or whole-class discussion.
Investigation
Students will watch and investigate how NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touches the sun for the first time. They will either present by group, partner or as an individual in order to inform your classmates about the basic parts of the Parker Solar Probe mission.
