English National Curriculum - Science Science
Mission Objectives
Compare the size of different objects in the Universe
Understand the light year and other units of astronomical distance
Complete an experiment to estimate the speed of light
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Words and meanings to learn
planetary system
a set of gravitationally bound planets that are in orbit around a star
lookback time
the time taken for light from a distant object to reach the Earth
observable Universe
the area of the Universe that we can study at present, due to the time taken for electromagnetic radiation from far away to reach Earth
Universe
everything that exists, including space, time and matter
light year
a unit of astronomical distance equivalent to the distance that light travels in one year, which is 9.46 × 10^12 km
Peter Klappa studied Biology (BSc Hons and MSc) at the Ludwigs-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, where he also obtained his PhD in molecular and cellular biology. He is a National Teaching Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As a trained Biology and Chemistry teacher, Peter has taught sciences for over 30 years, both at pre- and post-entry to university. For his excellence in teaching, Peter has received numerous awards and prizes and was nominated for the Teacher of the Year award by the Higher Education Academy in 2015 and 2019.
Resources: Microwave oven, a chocolate bar and a ruler.
Core Handout: Estimate the speed of light.
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