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. The Phases of the Moon video has sunlight coming from the left of the screen and shows how the phases are formed. A second video explains the appropriate terms: waxing, waning etc.
- Demonstrate 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 causes of tides.
Plenary
- Blockbusters game
Homework
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
