Earth Science Extras (ESE2)

Module 1: Stories of the Universe

This module examines models for motion in the heavens and the evidence for those models, distance in space and how we measure it, and the evolution of stars and galaxies, with a lesson on changes in life as seen through the lens of geology of the 1800s. Some lessons of this module presume a familiarity with ideas presented in Earth Science Essentials (ESE1) which can be accessed from the Earth Science for Teachers homepage

Individual lessons will open in a new page--simply close the page when done and return here.

• The Universe is BIG
• Patterns and Predictability-Seasons
• Patterns and Predictability-Phases of the Moon: Lecture
• Patterns and Predictability-Phases of the Moon: Interactive Text
• Measuring the Sky: Lecture
• Measuring the Sky: Interactive Text
• Measuring the Distance to the Sun with Aristarchus: Interactive Text


• Note: The Aristarchus exercise above is a real-world study from over 2000 years ago. It is a math-heavy unit with lots of geometric visualization, and so provides an example of a Math-Science cross-over unit. Notice that it is possible to "cheat" these exercises by simply waiting to get the answers instead of grappling with the fuzzy and difficult challenge of how to figure them out. That of course defeats the purpose of challenging and improving yourself and defeats the purpose of coming to understand how real discoveries are made.


• Note: The lecture on Changes in Life below is a bit on the long and text-heavy side for an online lecture, but take notes and hopefully it works ok--The lecture emphasizes philosophical ideas of science, and how the theory of evolution evolved through time, particularly in the 1800s, more from the geological than biological viewpoint.


• Note: The units on Changes in Stars and Galaxies below build on ideas presented in Earth Science Essentials, including ideas at http://EarthSci4Teachers/ESE/present-how_do_we_know-2.html


• The Universe is CHANGING
• Changes in Life--A Geologist's Perspective: Lecture
• Changes in Life--A Geologist's Perspective: Interactive Text
• Changes in Life--Changes in Life: Natural Selection and Genetics Simulation Lab
• Changes in Stars--HR Diagrams and the Life Cycle of Stars: Lecture
• Changes in Stars--HR Diagrams and the Life Cycle of Stars: Interactive Text
• Changes in Galaxies and the Universe Itself: Interactive Text
• Celestial Mechanics--Movements in Space and Keplers Law: Lecture
• Celestial Mechanics--Movements in Space and Keplers Law: Interactive Text
• Planetary Geochemical Model Challenges
• Material Properties--Experimental Interpretations

7/21/2023--pictures and text copyright Russ Colson