English National Curriculum - Science Science
Mission Objectives
Name key characteristics of a planet
Understand the order of the planets from the Sun
Describe the Sun, Earth, moon and other celestial bodies as spheres
Enquiry Approach - Identifying, grouping & classifying
Using observations, data and findings to name, label and organise items in a variety of ways.
Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results
Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.
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Words and meanings to learn
orbit
path followed by a planet (or other body) as it moves around another planet or star
spherical
round like a ball
Solar System
the name for the Sun and all the planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, meteors and comets that orbit it
gas giant planets
the name given to the 4 outer planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune
terrestrial planet
the name given to the 4 inner rocky planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!
In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!
Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.
Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.
Matthew is an experienced and qualified educator, with a background in both classroom and outdoor settings. He is passionate about making learning engaging for all involved and creates content which enhances children’s experiences in education and those delivering it. With a strong belief in the value of education, Matthew recognises the importance of enabling children and adults to access any curriculum content with ease, regardless of their backgrounds. In his spare time, Matthew loves being with family and friends; additionally, he has a keen interest in the performing arts and volunteers time as a voice-over artist.
Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts.
In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.
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Resources: Class presentation, 9 balls (one for the Sun) and a measuring trundle.
Walking distances activity:
Support Handout (1): A table which contains the distances between the planets - both real and scaled down - to aid the children in the walking activity.
Core Handout (2): As above, with one column of the table left blank so the children can challenge themselves to adjust the distances to scale.
Ordering planets activity:
Support Handout (1): Page 1 includes the 'fact cards' to aid the children in their Mission Assignment and other activities. Page 2 replicates the table of Page 1, but with blank spaces for the children to add their own facts.
Core Handout (2): A space for the children to draw all 8 planets and record 3 interesting facts for each. Note: to challenge themselves, the children may wish to do this on a larger piece of paper so that they can include the correct scaled-down distances between each planet.
Expert film
Mission assignment film
Astronaut
Astronomer
