Space
2009 Year of Astronomy
Teaching and Learning Activities Matching the Year 7-10 NSW Syllabus
4.6.10 identify that all objects exert a force of gravity on all other objects in the universe.
Additional content: Forces - apply Newton's laws to Space travel
Liftoff to Learning: Newton in Space
An excellent site from NASA with a 12 minute introductory video , followed by notes on each of the 3 Laws.
Scroll down for class experiments to illustrate the Laws.
An imaginative lesson plan involving the idea of building cities in space and the considerations that will have to be made.
Includes a video clip and discussion questions.
Find out about the conditions on a planet or star and what it would mean to live there.
4.9 describes the dynamic structure of the Earth and its relationship to other parts of our solar system and universe.4.9.1 Newtonian model of the Solar System
a) describe qualitatively relative sizes, distances and movements of components of our solar system
Size Comparison of Astronomical Objects
Scale pictures, with notes, comparing the planets and others of star and galaxies helps to give an idea of the vast scale involved.
A series of the above scale pictures shown in order of size- wait for the end past the quote!(YouTube video)
(For fun - calculate your weight on other planets )
PowerPoint (6.2MB) containing data for actual comparisons, graphing, calculation of ratios, fractions etc.
Good photos, plenty of information, but fairly dull.
b) describe relative movements of the planets, moons and sun
Click under the graphic to show the Earth's tilt, spin, Moon motion and orbit.
A fact packed fast moving video covering all the basics(YouTube)
c) explain night and day in terms of Earth's rotation
About Day and Night
Well explained but rather verbose. More information elsewhere in the site, plus some classroom activities.
An activity to calculate the difference latitudemakes to length of a day around the World.
d) explain the seasons in terms of the tilt of Earth's axis and its revolution around the sun.
Clear explanation about rotation, tilt and seasons.
Some relevant games via a button on the bottom line.
Additional Content:
- relate the model of the solar system to the observed sky
The stars we see in different seasons with the constellations superimposed
This site is kept up to date, and has local events in which to participate.
- examine information collected to assist in predicting events such as appearances of comets, eclipses and other solar system phenomena
Comet Prediction
Scroll down past the adverts to find the infromation
A scientific explanation, and using Stonehenge.
- collate information gained from planetary research to support theories on the formation of the solar system
Formation of the Solar System
A clear explanation with diagrams
- compare the planetary geology found within the solar system
Definition and explanation of planetary geology
A good source for a comparison exercise. Click on a planetary image in the chart to obtain information on each selected object.
- research the historical development of the present model of the solar system, including the work of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton.
History of Knowledge.
Good notes and photographs. Extensive links
4.9.2 Components of the universe
a) describe some major features of the universe, including galaxies, stars, nebulae and solar systems
A mine of resources - information and animations
c) use appropriate scales to describe differences in sizes of, and distances between, structures making up the universe.
Size Comparison of Astronomical Objects
Scale pictures, with notes, comparing the planets and others of star and galaxies helps to give an idea of the vast scale involved.
A 9 minute video demonstrating scale and distance between the Solar System.(YouTube)
An animation, similar to 'Power of Ten' but with accompanying data.
Additional Content:
- explain how different
cultures have interpreted constellations
Aboriginal Astronomy
A site developed by local astronomer Ray Norris for CSIRO
5.9 relates the development of the universe and the dynamic structure of the Earth to model, theories and laws and the influence of time.
5.9.3 Components of the Universe
describe some changes that are likely to take place during the life of a star.
Definition of a star and its life cycle with good photos. Useful for a flow chart activity.
YouTube video
Additional Content
- compare the big bang theory
with other theories of the development of the universe
Big
Bang Theory
Notes and video clip of a simulation - describe evidence used to support estimates of time in the universe.
Interesting historical details
Components of the Universe
Good general notes with no author that are from the Macquarie University astronomy website.(word doc)
- relate colours of stars to their age, distance from Earth and size
Detailed information from NASA
- explain why quasars have
provided evidence of a changing universe
Frequently asked questions about quasars Excellent notes, no illustrations - from Virginia Tech University
- discuss the impact of Voyager probes and the Hubble Space Telescope on knowledge and understanding of the universe.
The definitive website on Voyager, notes and video - so how can it help?
The definitive Hubble Space Telescope site