Space Technology

S4E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets.

a. Ask questions to compare and contrast technological advances that have changed the amount and type of information on distant objects in the sky.

Success Criteria

I can explain how technology helps us study space.

I can compare tools used to observe stars and planets.

I can describe how new technology gives us more detailed information.

I can ask questions about how space discoveries are made.

I can compare what we knew before and after new technology.

1. Why Technology Matters in Space Study

• Stars and planets are too far away to study directly.

• Scientists rely on tools and technology to collect data.

• As technology improves, we gain:

  • Clearer images

  • More detailed data

  • New discoveries

2. Key Technological Advances

Telescopes

• Early telescopes (like those used by Galileo Galilei) allowed humans to see planets and stars more clearly.

• Modern telescopes:

  • Ground-based telescopes

  • Space telescopes (like Hubble Space Telescope)

Impact:

• Allowed scientists to observe surface details, movement, and brightness of stars/planets

Space Probes & Satellites

• Unmanned spacecraft sent into space to collect data

• Examples include:

  • Voyager 1

  • Mars Rover

Impact:

• Provided close-up images and direct measurements

• Helped us learn about planet surfaces and atmospheres

Satellites

• Orbit Earth and collect data about space

• Used for:

  • Imaging

  • Measuring light and temperature

Impact:

• Continuous observation of space objects

• More accurate and consistent data collection

What is a Lander?

A lander is a spacecraft designed to:

• Travel to a planet

• Land on the surface

• Stay in one place

• Sends information back to Earth

Impact:

• Lands on a planet and stays in one location

• Collects detailed data from a single spot

• Helps scientists closely study soil, temperature, and atmosphere

• Provides accurate, in-depth information about one area

What is a Rover?

A rover is a robot that:

• Lands on a planet

• Moves around on the surface

• it studies: Rocks, Surface features,Signs of water

Impact:

• Moves across a planet’s surface to explore multiple locations

• Collects a variety of data (rocks, soil, images)

• Helps scientists understand how different areas of a planet compare

• Provides more detailed and widespread information than staying in one place

3. Before vs Now (Big Idea)

Before

• Naked Eye observations

• Limited knowledge

• guessing

Now

• High powered telescopes

• detailed images and data

• Evidence based science

• Technology – Tools used to solve problems or gather information

• Telescope – Tool used to see distant objects in space

• Satellite – Object that orbits a planet and collects data

• Probe – Spacecraft sent to explore space

• Astronomer – Scientist who studies space

• Star – A large ball of gas that produces light and heat

• Planet – A large object that orbits a star

• Observation – Careful watching and recording

• Data – Information collected during investigations

• Evidence – Information used to support a claim

KNOWS

Students know:

• Technology has improved how we observe space

• Stars and planets have different physical characteristics

• Scientists use tools to gather evidence

SHOWS

Students can:

• Compare older vs modern technology

• Explain how tools changed discoveries

• Use evidence from observations

• Ask questions like:

• “How did this tool improve what we see?”

• “What new information did scientists learn?”