The Quest for ETs: Are we Alone?
Professor Leslie Looney

Applicable Illinois State Learning Standards

State Goal 12 (Science): Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.

F. Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and Earth’s place in it.
Standard Grade Level
Description
12.F.3a
Middle/Junior High School
Simulate, analyze and explain the effects of gravitational force in the solar system (e.g., orbital shape and speed, tides, spherical shape of the planets and moons).
12.F.4a Early High School Explain theories, past and present, for changes observed in the universe.
12.F.5a Late High School Compare the processes involved in the life cycle of stars (e.g., gravitational collapse, thermonuclear fusion, nova) and evaluate the supporting evidence.
12.F.3b Middle/Junior High School Describe the organization and physical characteristics of the solar system (e.g., sun, planets, satellites, asteroids, comets).
12.F.4b Early High School Describe the organization and physical characteristics of the solar system (e.g., sun, planets, satellites, asteroids, comets).
12.F.5b Late High School Describe the size and age of the universe and evaluate the supporting evidence (e.g., red-shift, Hubble’s constant).
12.F.3c Middle/Junior High School Compare and contrast the sun as a star with other objects in the Milky Way Galaxy (e.g., nebulae, dust clouds, stars, black holes).