Space

Unit Summary

In this KS3 space unit, students will delve into the realms beyond our planet and gain fundamental insights into the workings of the universe over 5 lessons. The unit starts with an exploration of gravity's profound role in shaping the cosmos, enabling students to uncover the invisible force that governs celestial bodies' interactions. It then explores the orbits of the Earth and the Moon before discussing stars, galaxies, and the huge scale of the universe. Throughout this unit, students will engage in enriching modelling exercises, especially concerning orbits, ensuring a robust grasp of complex three-dimensional concepts. 

There tends to be a large disparity in knowledge between students even in streamed sets, because the topic is so vast that you are likely to have some students with some obscure facts up their sleeves. The key to teaching this topic is to stick to the outlined curriculum, otherwise, tangents can take over. This unit aligns with both the National Curriculum's knowledge depth and the Gatsby Benchmarks’ career-oriented approach. We emphasise industry connections, spotlighting expert voices that inspire students to consider the boundless opportunities that the realm of space offers.

During this unit you will hear from the following industry experts:

         Name:                                      Job Title:

1.      Lidia Icardi                                Electrical Power Systems Engineer

2.     Gonzalo Martin-de-Mercado   Telecommunications Engineer

3.     Micha Schmidt                          Spacecraft Operations Manager

4.     Anthony Marston                      ESA Herschel Science Team

5.     Alexander Soucek                    Programme Coordinator