Asteroid Diversion: Saving Earth
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as a team of international scientists, use simulations and our understanding of physics to design and implement a plan to divert a potentially hazardous asteroid, mitigating its impact on Earth and ensuring the safety of future generations?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the characteristics of asteroids and their trajectories?
- What are the potential consequences of an asteroid impact on Earth?
- What are the different methods scientists are exploring to divert asteroids?
- How do gravity and momentum affect the trajectory of an asteroid?
- How can we use simulations to model and predict the outcomes of asteroid diversion strategies?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the characteristics of asteroids, including their composition, structure, and orbit patterns.
- Students will analyze and describe the potential effects of an asteroid impact on Earth's geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
- Students will explore and evaluate different methods used by scientists to potentially divert asteroids, and determine their effectiveness.
- Students will learn how to use simulations to predict the outcomes of various asteroid diversion strategies.
- Students will apply physics concepts such as gravity and momentum to understand and impact the movement of asteroids in space.
Next Generation Science Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsAsteroid Emergency Alert
A giant screen displays breaking news of a newly discovered asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Students become 'expert consultants' tasked with analyzing the threat and proposing diversion strategies. This event sparks immediate interest in asteroid science and the urgent need for problem-solving.Space Mission Control
The classroom is transformed into a 'space mission control center' with simulated data feeds and communication channels. Students work in teams to monitor a virtual asteroid and respond to unexpected challenges during a diversion mission. This event provides an immersive, hands-on experience of space exploration and crisis management.Asteroid in the Schoolyard
An augmented reality app shows a virtual asteroid landing in the schoolyard. Students use tablets to collect data, analyze the asteroid's composition, and propose diversion strategies to protect their school. This event blends technology with real-world scenarios, making the learning experience highly relevant and engaging.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Gravity's Influence: Asteroid Motion
Students conduct preliminary research on the nature of gravity and its effects on objects, particularly focusing on how Earth's gravity influences the motion of asteroids. They create visual representations to illustrate their understanding.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual presentation (e.g., infographic, poster) explaining gravity and its effects on asteroid trajectories.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5-PS2-1 by establishing a foundational understanding of gravity as a downward force exerted by Earth, which influences the trajectory of asteroids and the mechanics of diversion methods.Earth System Impact Analysis
Students investigate the potential effects of an asteroid impact on Earth's systems. They will focus on the impact’s effects on the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, documenting their findings in a detailed report.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report outlining the effects of an asteroid impact on the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCorresponds to 5-ESS2-1 by requiring students to model the interactions between Earth's systems (geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere) and potential asteroid impacts, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of such events.Asteroid Diversion Methods
Students learn about various asteroid diversion methods currently under consideration by scientists. They will create a comparative analysis of these methods, focusing on their feasibility and potential impact.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative analysis report of different asteroid diversion methods, including feasibility and potential impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5-PS2-1 by exploring how momentum and external forces, like those exerted by diversion techniques, can alter an asteroid's path, thus changing its gravitational interaction with Earth.Simulation-Based Diversion Strategy
Students will use simulations to model different asteroid diversion strategies. They will analyze the data from these simulations to determine the most effective strategies for averting a potential impact.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA simulation-based analysis report, detailing the effectiveness of different diversion strategies.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly supports 5-ESS2-1 as students model and predict how different diversion strategies could protect Earth’s systems from the catastrophic effects of an asteroid impact, emphasizing the importance of understanding system interactions.Comprehensive Diversion Plan
Students design a comprehensive asteroid diversion plan, incorporating knowledge gained throughout the project. This plan should include a detailed strategy, timeline, and resource allocation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed asteroid diversion plan, including strategy, timeline, and resource allocation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates 5-PS2-1 by requiring students to apply their understanding of gravitational forces and momentum to propose and defend a diversion plan, demonstrating how scientific principles guide the development of real-world solutions.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAsteroid Diversion Simulation Rubric
Gravity's Influence on Asteroid Motion
Assesses students' understanding of gravity and their ability to visually represent its effects on asteroid trajectories.Gravity Comprehension
Understanding of gravity's effects on asteroid trajectories
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of gravity and its nuanced effects on asteroid trajectories, integrating advanced concepts and providing insightful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of gravity and its effects on asteroid trajectories, applying concepts appropriately and providing clear explanations.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of gravity and its effects on asteroid trajectories, with some inconsistencies in application and explanation.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a beginning understanding of gravity and struggles to explain its effects on asteroid trajectories, requiring significant support.
Visual Communication
Accuracy and clarity of visual representation (infographic, poster)
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a visually stunning and exceptionally clear representation that effectively communicates complex information about gravity and asteroid trajectories with innovative design elements.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a clear and accurate visual representation that effectively communicates information about gravity and asteroid trajectories.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a visual representation with some inaccuracies or lack of clarity that partially communicates information about gravity and asteroid trajectories.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates a visual representation that is inaccurate, unclear, and fails to effectively communicate information about gravity and asteroid trajectories.
Earth System Impact Analysis
Evaluates students' research and reporting on the effects of asteroid impacts on Earth's systems.Research Depth
Depth of research into the effects of asteroid impacts on Earth's systems
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts exceptionally thorough and insightful research, demonstrating advanced understanding of the complex interactions among Earth's systems following an asteroid impact.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough research and demonstrates a solid understanding of the effects of asteroid impacts on Earth's systems.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic research and demonstrates a limited understanding of the effects of asteroid impacts on Earth's systems.
Beginning
1 PointsConducts minimal research and demonstrates a poor understanding of the effects of asteroid impacts on Earth's systems.
Report Quality
Detail and accuracy of report outlining the effects on geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exceptionally detailed and accurate report, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions among Earth's systems after an asteroid impact.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a detailed and accurate report outlining the effects of an asteroid impact on the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a report with some detail and accuracy, but with gaps in the information or understanding of the effects on Earth's systems.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an incomplete and inaccurate report that lacks detail and demonstrates a poor understanding of the effects on Earth's systems.
Asteroid Diversion Methods
Assesses students' research and analysis of different asteroid diversion methods.Research Scope
Scope and depth of research into different asteroid diversion methods
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates comprehensive research into a wide range of asteroid diversion methods, showing nuanced understanding of their underlying scientific principles and potential limitations.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough research into different asteroid diversion methods, showing a clear understanding of their principles and applications.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic research into asteroid diversion methods, with a limited understanding of their principles and applications.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal research into asteroid diversion methods and lacks understanding of their principles and applications.
Analysis Quality
Quality of comparative analysis, including feasibility and potential impact of each method
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exceptionally insightful and comprehensive comparative analysis that demonstrates advanced critical thinking and innovative solutions for asteroid diversion.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and comprehensive comparative analysis that assesses the feasibility and potential impact of each method.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic comparative analysis with some assessment of feasibility and potential impact, but lacks depth and clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an incomplete and superficial comparative analysis with little to no assessment of feasibility or potential impact.
Simulation-Based Diversion Strategy
Evaluates students' ability to use simulations and analyze the effectiveness of different diversion strategies.Simulation Proficiency
Effective use of simulations to model diversion strategies
Exemplary
4 PointsUses simulations with exceptional skill and insight to model various diversion strategies, demonstrating advanced analytical capabilities and innovative problem-solving.
Proficient
3 PointsUses simulations effectively to model different asteroid diversion strategies.
Developing
2 PointsUses simulations with limited effectiveness to model diversion strategies, showing some difficulty in application.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use simulations to model diversion strategies effectively, requiring significant guidance.
Analysis Quality
Quality of analysis report detailing the effectiveness of different strategies
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exceptionally insightful and well-supported analysis report that showcases advanced critical thinking and a deep understanding of the effectiveness of different diversion strategies.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a detailed analysis report that accurately assesses the effectiveness of different diversion strategies.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis report with limited assessment of the effectiveness of different diversion strategies.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an incomplete and superficial analysis report with minimal assessment of the effectiveness of different diversion strategies.
Comprehensive Diversion Plan
Evaluates students' ability to create a comprehensive asteroid diversion plan.Plan Completeness
Completeness and feasibility of the proposed diversion plan
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops an exceptionally complete, innovative, and feasible diversion plan that demonstrates advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of real-world constraints.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a complete and feasible diversion plan that addresses key considerations and constraints.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops a partially complete diversion plan with some feasibility issues and missing considerations.
Beginning
1 PointsDevelops an incomplete and infeasible diversion plan that lacks key considerations.
Plan Justification
Clarity and justification of the strategy, timeline, and resource allocation
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an exceptionally clear and well-justified strategy, timeline, and resource allocation that demonstrates advanced planning and strategic thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and justified strategy, timeline, and resource allocation.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a somewhat unclear or poorly justified strategy, timeline, and resource allocation.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents an unclear and poorly justified strategy, timeline, and resource allocation.