Transcript The Liverpool Telescope

Astronomy in the
National UK Curricula
Discover the
Cosmos
Astrophysics Research Institute
Liverpool John Moores University
Dr. Chris Leigh
1st September 2011
Astronomy in the UK
Astronomy in Scottish Schools
Astronomy in Primary Schools – England and Wales
Key Stage 2 : Age 8-11
Topic: SC4
Physical Processes
Section: 4
The Earth and beyond
Pupils should be taught:
The Sun, Earth and Moon
• that the Sun, Earth and Moon are approximately spherical.
Periodic changes
• how the position of the Sun appears to change during the day, and how shadows change
as this happens.
• how day and night are related to the spin of the Earth on its own axis.
• that the Earth orbits the Sun once each year, and that the Moon takes approximately 28
days to orbit the Earth.
Astronomy in Secondary Schools – England and Wales
Key Stage 3 : Age 11-14
Topic: SC4
Physical Processes
Section: 4
The Earth and beyond
Pupils should be taught:
The Solar System
• how the movement of the Earth causes the apparent daily and annual movement of the
Sun and other stars.
• the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and planets in the solar system.
• about the movements of planets around the Sun and to relate these to gravitational forces
• that the Sun and other stars are light sources and that the planets and other bodies are
seen by reflected light.
• about the use of artificial satellites and probes to observe the Earth and to explore the
solar system.
Astronomy in Secondary Schools – England and Wales
Key Stage 4 : Age 14-16
Topic:
How Science Works
Section: 8
Environment, Earth and
Universe
Pupils should be taught:
The Solar System
• the solar system is part of the universe, which has changed since its origin and continues
to show long-term changes.
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Note that the KS4 is vague because, at this age, students study for their first major examinations
(GCSEs) and the content of lessons is driven by the examination boards.
GCSEs – Edexcel
2011 Specifications
GCSE in Astronomy
Earth, Sun and Moon; Planetary Systems; Stars; Galaxies and Cosmology
Coursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)
GCSE in Physics
Unit P1: Universal physics
Visible light and the Solar System; Electromagnetic Spectrum; Waves and the Universe
Coursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)
GCSE in Science
Unit P1: Universal physics
Visible light and the Solar System; Electromagnetic Spectrum; Waves and the Universe
Coursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)
GCSEs – OCR
2011 Specifications
GCSE in Science A
Module P1: The Earth in the Universe
What do we know about the place of the Earth in the Universe
Coursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)
GCSE in Physics A
Module P1: The Earth in the Universe (as per Science A)
Module P7: Further Physics – Studying the Universe
Naked eye astronomy; Light, telescopes and image; Mapping the Universe; The Sun, the
stars and their surrounding; The astronomy community
Coursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)
A level (GCE) / EPQ – OCR, AQA, WJEC and Edexcel
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) Age 16-18
OCR: A level in Physics A
Module 5: Modelling the Universe
Gravitational Fields; Structure of the universe; The evolution of the universe
AQA: A level in Physics A
Unit 5 : Section B : Astrophysics Option
Lenses and Optical Telescopes; Non-optical Telescopes; Classification of Stars; Cosmology
WJEC: A level in Physics
Unit PH2: Waves and Particles
Matter, Forces and the Universe; Photons; Using radiation to investigate stars
edexcel: A level in Physics
Unit 5: Physics from Creation to Collapse
Astrophysics and Cosmology, incl. Life Cycle of Star, Energy Sources in Stars
Any Questions ?
Astrophysics Research Institute
Liverpool John Moores University
Dr Chris Leigh
[email protected]