SPACEYear Four are studying Space in Term 2. This unit follows on from the Spinning in Space unit we studied in Year 3 and extends and deepens the student's knowledge and understanding of Earth's position in space. We will study the Solar System and its components - planets, asteroids, meteroids and comets. The unit provides students the opportunity to appreciate the vastness, complexity and mysteriousness of the Universe we inhabit.
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The Known UniversePlease watch the video below for a stunning look at our Universe.The Known Universe takes viewers from the Himalayas through our atmosphere and the inky black of space to the afterglow of the Big Bang. Every star, planet, and quasar seen in the film is possible because of the world's most complete four-dimensional map of the universe, the Digital Universe Atlas that is maintained and updated by astrophysicists at the American Museum of Natural History.
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HOW BIG, HOW FAR .......... SCALE IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
How big is the Solar System - really? Have a lot at these simulations below to get some mind boggling idea!
HOW LONG IS A YEAR ON OTHER PLANETS ............Click on this link (or the title above) to take you to an interesting explanation about why the length of years varies so much in our solar system.
Your Weight on Other WorldsEver wondered what you would weigh on other planets? Well, now you can find out ... Click here for an easy answer
Your Age on Other WorldsHow old would you be if you lived on Venus?? Would you even be a year old on Neptune?
Click here to find out |
AND ... WHY DOES IT MATTER?NASA SPINOFFSExploring space can lead to amazing discoveries about our universe but also change our lives back here on Earth. Click on the image below to play a game and discover how many 'everyday' items are 'spinoffs' from NASA's exploration of space.
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EYES ON THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Click on the photograph to use a wonderful interactive from NASA to travel through the Solar System. It includes lots of excellent information not just on the planets, moons, asteroids, comets and other objects in the system but also on important space exploration missions.
You can also use these great websites to find out more about the planets. NASA Knows K-4 and ESA Kids
You can also use these great websites to find out more about the planets. NASA Knows K-4 and ESA Kids
NASA SPACE PLACEUse this kid-friendly NASA site to discover more than you can imagine about space.
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Just how far is it to Mars?? How far would you have to travel to see this panorama in person? Click on the image above to see a really useful animated infographic.
ASTEROIDS, METEOROIDS AND COMETS
Of course the Solar System has more than just planets in it. There are millions of 'flying space rocks' which were 'left behind' when the solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago. Use the infographic below to understand the differences between all the different space rocks.
ROG Space Rocks! from Beakus on Vimeo. |
Why ARE there golf balls on the Moon????In 1971, Alan Shepard landed on the Moon as the commander of the Apollo 14 mission. He was a keen golfer and took a specially modified lunar scoop handle with him. Despite thick gloves and a stiff spacesuit which forced him to swing the club with one hand, Shepard struck two golf balls; driving the second, as he jokingly put it, "miles and miles and miles."
Apollo 14 was the first mission to broadcast in colour from the surface of the Moon and we are lucky to have video of Alan Shephard hitting the gold balls! |
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Astronomy Picture of the DayVisit NASA's astronomy picture of the day site to see amazing pictures of our fascinating Universe such as this image of the rings of Jupiter photographed by the Galileo spacecraft. Space oddity from the ISSBefore he left the ISS on May 13th, Cdr. Hadfield filmed this version of David Bowie's classic song "Space Oddity". Watch it - it's wonderful!
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CMDR. CHRIS HADFIELDChris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut who was the commander of the International Space Station from March to May 2013. He has been instrumental in a resurgence in interest in space because of his use of social media to communicate from his very special place up in space. His twitter handle is @Cmdr_Hadfield and he also has a Facebook page with all his wonderful photographs (like the one below) from space as well as lots of videos. Ask your parents if you can check it out!
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