3-TAS-02 Solar System, Seasons and Tides
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Contents
Outcomes
- Pupils can name the major features of the solar system.
- Pupils can explain the causes of seasons and tides.
Specification References
- Not applicable
Starter
- Celestia tour of the solar system (if pupil laptops are capable then pupils can conduct their own tour according to instructions).
Main Body of Lesson
- Create scale model of the solar system.
- Link satellites' orbits to previous lesson on gravitation.
- Discuss the phases of the moon, using the familiar terminology. A short clip is quite useful; another. Demonstarate the phases of the moon with the lamp, globe and ball.
- Brainstorm ideas on causes of tides and seasons.
- Demonstrate with globe and lamp the cause of seasons.
- Elicit different characteristics of seasons.
- Show video on range of tides; alternative location, and on the caules of tides.
Plenary
- Blockbusters game
Homework
- Continue Alien Planet Project.
Additional Information
Resources Required
- Celestia software (or video thereof)
- Tide video and associated questions
- Globe and wooden ball
- Powerful lamp
Textbook References
- None
Website References
Skills Addressed
Safety/Hazards
- Creating scale model of the solar system will involve substantial pupil movement and may involve pupils being spread out to a large extent; they will also be outside.
- General Laboratory Health and Safety risk Assessment
