• Galaxies!

    Objectives: Discover your favorite galaxy or galactic cluster, research your image, and present your findings to our class!

    1. Introduction to Galaxies!

    • Watch the video above on the different types of galaxies: spiral, elliptical, peculiar, and irregular.

    2. Find your favorite galaxy or galaxies! 

    • Use the links below to discover your favorite image!
    • Take some time to find something interesting and one that you can use to gather data.
    • If you are having trouble finding information, you may need to find another galaxy or group of galaxies to use for your presentation.

    3. Reserve your Galaxy!

    • Once you have found your favorite galaxy, comment on today's post with its name and type.
    • The first one to reserve their galaxy has dibs!
    • If you want to change your galaxy, comment on the post to update your change.
    • No two students can have the same galaxy, so look through the reservations carefully.
      Sometimes, the galaxy is given different common names. Look for the official NGC (New General Catalog) name.

    4. Investigate your chosen galaxy!

    • Take detailed notes about your galaxy in your journal. Try to answer the following. 
      Some of this information may be difficult to find, for there are so many galaxies that many are not described in detail.
      Take some time to find something that you find both interesting and informational.
      • Galaxy Type: Spiral, Elliptical, Irregular, or Peculiar
      • Size: Diameter, number of stars, approximate mass.
      • Key Features: Distinguishing traits, including star formation rates, presence of black holes, etc.
      • Location: Distance from Earth and position in the universe.
      • Doppler Shift: Are the galaxies red-shifted or blue-shifted, and what does that tell us about them?
      • Workings: How stars, gas, and dust interact in the galaxy.
      • Interesting Facts: Fun or unique details.

    5. Google Slides Presentation!

    • Create a 5-7 Google slide presentation on their chosen galaxies.
    • Your presentation should include the following for each galaxy.
      • Title slide with the Galaxy name
      • Information slide about the galaxy type and general description
      • Size and distance slide (include Doppler Effects)
      • Key features and interesting facts slide
      • Conclusion slide summarizing your findings
        *Be sure to include images
      • References Slide: Where did you get your information?
    • Focus on presenting the key properties of your galaxy.
    • There will be opportunities for questions at the end of your presentation.

    Galaxy Resources

    Feel free to use Google search, but be sure your information is correct. Ask for guidance if you need it.

    Assessment

    1. Research Quality: Depth of information gathered about the galaxy.
    2. Creativity: Visual appeal and design of slides.
    3. Presentation Skills: Clear delivery, confidence, and engagement.
    4. Understanding: Ability to answer classmates' or teachers' questions about their galaxy.

    You will be graded using a rubric by your peers and teachers.

    You will also be able to self-assess your project/presentation.

    Your teacher will determine your final grade based on the above assessments.

    galaxy_rubric1

    Astronomy Project Rubric: Investigating a Galaxy

    Criteria Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Needs Improvement (1) Points
    Research Quality All research components (type, size, location, features, workings, interesting facts) are accurate, detailed, and well-explained. Most research components are accurate and well-explained, with minor omissions or lack of detail. Some research components are included but lack detail or accuracy. Research is incomplete or inaccurate, with little effort shown. /4
    Google Slides Design Slides are visually appealing, with clear organization, readable text, relevant images, and creative design. Slides are organized and visually appealing, with minor issues in readability or design. Slides are somewhat disorganized, with limited visuals and poor readability. Slides are disorganized, difficult to read, and lack visuals or effort. /4
    Presentation Skills Student speaks clearly, confidently, and engages the audience; minimal reliance on notes. Student speaks clearly and confidently, with moderate reliance on notes. Student reads directly from slides or notes, with minimal audience engagement. Student is difficult to hear, unprepared, or disengaged. /4
    Understanding Demonstrates in-depth understanding and answers questions confidently and accurately. Demonstrates good understanding and answers most questions accurately. Demonstrates limited understanding and struggles to answer questions. Demonstrates little to no understanding and cannot answer questions. /4
    Creativity and Effort Presentation reflects exceptional effort, creativity, and thoughtfulness in research and design. Presentation reflects good effort and thoughtfulness, with some creative touches. Presentation shows some effort but lacks creativity or depth. Presentation shows minimal effort, with little thought or creativity. /4

    Grading Scale

    • 16-20 points: Outstanding
    • 11-15 points: Satisfactory
    • 6-10 points: Needs Improvement
    • 0-5 points: Unsatisfactory