CURRICULUM RESOURCES

Humans have always looked with wonder at the movement of celestial bodies in the sky. We have used its rhythms to define our days, our months and our years. Not only have we defined time by these patterns, we learned to navigate using their predictable motions. Scientists have used observations of the day and night sky to understand our place in Space. With the advance of technology, astronomers seek answers to the big questions in life, such as the origins of the Universe and the existence of life on other planets.

The Earth's place in Space unit is an ideal way to link science with literacy in the classroom. It provides opportunities for students to explore how the patterns in the sky relate to days, months and years. Students' understanding of how observation and models can be used to shape ideas and understandings is developed through hands-on activities and student-planned investigations. Students also investigate the elements of our Solar System and Earth's position within it.

Unit at a glance (PDF)
Equipment lists (PDF)
Alignment with the Australian Curriculum: Science (PDF)
Alignment with the Australian Curriculum: English and Maths (PDF)