topic 7: the universe
2.1 Practical and enquiry skills: a) Use a range of scientific methods and techniques to develop and test ideas and explanations; 2.3 Communication: a) Use appropriate methods, including ICT, to communicate scientific information and contribute
to presentations and discussions about scientific issues;
3.4 The environment, Earth and Universe: b) Astronomy and space science provide insight into the nature and observed motions of the Sun, Moon, stars, planets and other celestial bodies
3.2 Chemical and material behaviour: a) The particle model provides explanations for the different physical properties and behaviour of matter
How Science Works: 1.2 Practical and enquiry skills; 5.2 Earth,Space and beyond
Key Terms
to presentations and discussions about scientific issues;
3.4 The environment, Earth and Universe: b) Astronomy and space science provide insight into the nature and observed motions of the Sun, Moon, stars, planets and other celestial bodies
3.2 Chemical and material behaviour: a) The particle model provides explanations for the different physical properties and behaviour of matter
How Science Works: 1.2 Practical and enquiry skills; 5.2 Earth,Space and beyond
- Discuss why we have day and night
- Explain what determines a year
- Understand how scientific ideas about the Solar System have developed
- Explain the cause of seasonal variation during the year
- Explain the causes of seasonal variation between the Northern and Southern hemispheres
- Describe what gravity is and where it acts
- Explain the factors affecting the strength of gravity
- Recognize that gravity keeps planets and satellites in orbit
- Understand the difference between mass and weight
- Explain the relationship between weight and gravity
- Analyse data about gravity and different planets
- Understand why people want to travel into space
- Understand how rockets are launched and how they escape the Earth
- Consider some of the challenges still to be overcome before space travel is a reality for all
- Understand how telescopes and space probes are used to gather information about distance planets and stars
- Recognize some of the most important space probes ever launched
Key Terms
Classroom Materials
Reasons for the Seasons
Cosmos project
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize Exploring our Universe
BBC Bitesize Astronomy and Space Science
BBC Bitesize The Big Bang
Stephen Hawkins
Amazing Space
Einstein On Line
European Space Agency
NASA
Anglo-Australian Observatory
Georges Secret Key To The Universe
Astronomy at Home: A Guide for Exploring Outer Space from Your Backyard
Urban astronomy 101: Stargazing for beginners
Spot the International Space Station
Ten tips to minimise light pollution
Useful Filters For Viewing Deep-Sky Objects
What to Bring for a Night of Stargazing: The Ultimate Guide
Video Clips
Reasons for the Seasons
Cosmos project
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize Exploring our Universe
BBC Bitesize Astronomy and Space Science
BBC Bitesize The Big Bang
Stephen Hawkins
Amazing Space
Einstein On Line
European Space Agency
NASA
Anglo-Australian Observatory
Georges Secret Key To The Universe
Astronomy at Home: A Guide for Exploring Outer Space from Your Backyard
Urban astronomy 101: Stargazing for beginners
Spot the International Space Station
Ten tips to minimise light pollution
Useful Filters For Viewing Deep-Sky Objects
What to Bring for a Night of Stargazing: The Ultimate Guide
Video Clips
