The Astronomy II programme will cover the following areas of learning:
(If you would like us to give special focus to any of the specific learning intentions please let us know on 3534573 before the lesson. We are happy to modify our programmes to meet your needs)
Destination Space (hands-on programme)
Nature of Science (Level 3-4) All themes
Planet Earth and Beyond (Level 3-5) Astronomical Systems
Living World (Level 1-2) Life processes
| Key outcomes |
Specific learning intentions |
|---|---|
| Scientists are curious. Science can help asnwer questions about the world. | Ask questions about astronomical systems before, during and after engaging in scientific investigations. |
| Scientists often carry out observations to understand the world. All ideas matter and scientists often work together to help each other. | Observe phenomena and work collaboratively to construct new knowledge based on their observations. Respect others' ideas. |
|
Scientists often use models to represent and communicate their ideas. |
Use models of astronomical systems and collaboratively construct new knowledge based on their observations. |
| The Moon has many phases created by the position of the Moon, Earth and the Sun. |
Demonstratethe movement of the Earth and the Moon in relation to the Sun. Name four phases of the Moon. |
| The Earth is an unusual planet that possesses exactly the right conditions and characteristics to allow life as we know it to exist. | Name at least 3 unique features of Earth. |
| The eight planets in the Solar System have very different features. | Comparethe eight planets in the Solar System by looking at their key features. |
| There are many different things in space - planets, stars, asteroids, meteors, comets... | Name at least four things found in space, for which science has proof that they exist. |
| Planets spin on their own axis and orbit the Sun at different speeds. | Relate the length of a planet's year to its distance from the Sun. |
| Numerous technological devices have been/are being used to successfully gather information in space (Mars Rovers, Cassini, Hubble etc). These are constantly changing and improving. | Describetwo pieces of space technology. |
Discovery Dome
Nature of Science (Level 3-4) Understanding, Communicating, Participating and Contributing
Planet Earth and Beyond (Level 3-5) Astronomical Systems
Living World (Level 1-2) Life processes
| Key outcomes |
Specific learning intentions |
|---|---|
| Scientists are curious. Science can help asnwer questions about the world. | Ask questions about astronomical systems. |
| Scientists often use models to represent and communicate their ideas. Technology can help enhance such models. | Observe digital models of astronomical systems and construct new knowledge based on their observations. Respect others' ideas. |
|
Scientific knowledge is based on evidence. |
Explain how knowledge about astronomical systems was enhanced with the invention of the telescope. |
| The Earth spins on its own axis. This makes the Sun, stars and planets appear to move across the sky. | Describe why the Sun, stars and planets appear to move across the sky. |
| Some stars can be grouped to form pictures called constellations. | Identify at least two constellations. |
| The sunlight reflects off the Moon and the Moon orbits around the Earth. This is how we see the different phases of the Moon. |
Describe why we can see the moon in the sky. Name two Moon phases. |
| There are eight planets in our Solar System including planet Earth. They all orbit around the Sun. | Name at least four other planets. Identify a feature of each planet. |
| The Milky Way Galaxy is a vast cloud of stars. We are part of the Milky Way Galaxy. | Locate one of the spiral arms of the Milky Way Galaxy in the night sky. |