Planning Index: Space Exploration | Print |

Grade 9 Science Unit Plan
Unit E - Space Exploration
( Science and Technology emphasis )

Grade 9 Unit Overview (Alberta)
Technologies have played an essential role in the study of space and in the emerging use of space environments. Our modern understanding of space has developed in conjunction with advances in techniques for viewing distant objects, for transmitting images and data through space, and for manned and unmanned space exploration. A study of space exploration provides an opportunity for students to examine how science and technology interact and to learn how one process augments the other. Students become aware that technologies developed to meet the challenges of space are applied to new purposes.

Concepts Covered and Developed through Instruction

  • Technologies for space exploration and observation
  • reference frames for describing position in space and motion in space
  • satellites and orbits
  • distribution of matter through space
  • composition and characteristics of bodies
  • life support technologies
  • communication technologies

This unit builds on ideas introduced in Grade 6, Unit C: Sky Science, and introduces ideas that will be developed further in Science 30, Unit C: Electromagnetic Energy.

What do the students already know?

What is space science ?
What technologies are used to explore space ?
How do they interact ?

What must they Learn?

How science and technology interact and how one process augments the other.


Specific Learner Outcomes

Instructional Focus

Focus 1

Earth and Space

Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space has depended on technological development


- perspectives on the nature of Earth and space
- technological advances
- distribution of matter in space
- position and motion of objects in space
- estimate distances of objects in space
- angular coordinates
- motions, alignments, and collision of bodies in space

Timeline / Research and Viewing

AV Media
Lab Activities

Lab Activities

Lab Activities

Lab Activities
Lab Activities

Focus 2

Technological Problems

Identify problems in developing technologies for space explorations, describe technologies developed for life in space, and explain the scientific principles involved


- analyze space environments
- technologies for life-support systems
- technologies for space transport
- materials and processes to meet needs in space
- artificial satellites

Lab Activities

Lab Activities

Lab Activities

Text / Rersearch 

Research / Models

Focus 3

Deep Space Technologies

Describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes space probes and remote sensing technologies


- optical telescopes
( Hubble )
- role of radio and optical telescopes
- global positioning systems
- remote sensing

Research / Models


Building Models 

Building Models 

Focus 4

Issues about Space

Identify issues and opportunities arising from the application of space technology, identify alternatives involved, and analyze their implications


- risks and dangers
- Canadian contributions
- decision-making factors regarding space exploration and development
- ethical issues

Research / Viewing
Case Studies / Building Models 

Problem Solving Challenges / Project