Unit 2
The Universe

	Concepts		Essential Questions	
1.	the Moon	1.	What hypotheses have been developed to explain the evolution of the Moon?	
2.	the solar system
	2a.	What are the distinguishing features of the various solar system bodies?	
	
	2b.	What are Kepler's laws of motion and how do they apply to planetary orbits?
	
		2c.	How does the nebular model explain the development of our solar system?
	
3.	stars
	3.	What is the most plausible model for stellar evolution?
	
4.	cosmology 
	4.	How did the big bang theory become the most accepted explanation for the origin of the universe?
	
5.	galaxies
	5.	What are the similarities and differences among the three main types of galaxies?
	
6.	astronomy	6.	How has the science of astronomy progressed over history?	
	Terminology
Copernicus, elliptical orbit, Kelper, Ptolemy, solar system, Astronomical Unit, asteroid, meteor, meteoroid, meteorite, big bang theory, cosmology, expansion, theory, light year, galaxy, parallax, maria, highlands