Archives: Lessons

The Planets *** Recommended Year Level: Year 7 Astronomy *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the eight planets in our solar system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss general characteristics of the eight planets, including descriptions of their appearance, composition, atmosphere, weather, seasonality … Read more

The Moon *** Recommended Year Level: Year 7 Astronomy *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the key features of the Moon, including its physical characteristics and its motion. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the Moon’s size and distance from Earth. Describe the … Read more

The Sun *** Recommended Year Level: Year 7 Astronomy *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different parts of the Sun and the processes they are characterised by. We will also discuss how the Sun influences life on Earth. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able … Read more

The Solar System *** Recommended Year Level: Year 7 Astronomy *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the components of our solar system and how planets move through the solar system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Compare the geocentric and heliocentric models of the … Read more

Radiometric Dating *** Recommended Year Level: Year 10 Earth Science / Chemistry / Biology *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how radiometric dating is used to determine the age of rocks and fossils. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what a radioisotope is. Describe … Read more

Geological History *** Recommended Year Level: Year 10 Earth Science*** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how the study of rock strata reveals information about Earth’s geological and biological history. We will also learn how Earth history is represented by the geological time scale. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you … Read more

Fossils *** Recommended Year Level: Year 10 Earth Science / Biology *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about different types of fossils and how they are formed. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe what fossils are and distinguish between body fossils and trace fossils. … Read more

Redox Reactions *** Recommended Year Level: Year 10 Chemistry *** Learning Objective In this lesson we will expand on the definition of oxidation to learn how it occurs in combination with reduction in redox reactions. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe oxidation in terms of the transfer … Read more

Timeline of the Universe Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main events in the evolution of the universe as well as predictions for the fate of the universe. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the Big Bang and the period of cosmic inflation. Describe … Read more

The Big Bang Theory Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss evidence supporting the Big Bang model of the universe. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the phenomenon of redshift and explain how it shows that the universe is expanding. Describe the Hubble-Lemaître Law. Describe the … Read more

Measuring the Universe Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different methods astronomers use to determine the distance of celestial objects. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the main units for measuring astronomical distances. Describe the cosmic distance ladder. Compare direct and indirect astronomical … Read more

The Life of Stars Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different characteristics and types of stars, and the changes that occur in the final stages of a star’s life. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the formation of stars and differentiate between protostars … Read more

The Universe Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main components of the universe. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Give a general overview of the universe. Compare the characteristics and distribution of normal matter, dark matter and dark energy. Describe the main astronomical bodies in … Read more

Combatting Climate Change Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main approaches to slowing down the rate of global warming and climate change, including those that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and those that remove excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: … Read more

Global Warming and Climate Change Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main effects of global warming on the Earth system. In particular, we will discuss the ecological consequences of global warming and climate change. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the effects of warming … Read more

The Human-Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main human greenhouse gas emissions and describe their role in global warming. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Differentiate between Earth’s natural greenhouse effect and the human-enhanced greenhouse effect. Identify the main human greenhouse gas … Read more

Earth’s Climate History Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at how Earth’s climate has changed over time. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Identify factors that affect Earth’s climate. Compare Greenhouse Earth and Icehouse Earth climatic states. Compare glacial and interglacial periods. Describe Earth’s climate over … Read more

Earth’s Climate Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main factors contributing to Earth’s climate. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between weather and climate. Discuss factors contributing to the uneven distribution of solar energy on Earth. Describe how convection cells redistribute heat energy. Describe … Read more

Human Impacts on the Carbon Cycle Learning Objective In this lesson we will describe the main effects that humans have had on the carbon cycle and discuss some of their consequences. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how human activity has affected the global carbon cycle. Describe … Read more

The Slow Carbon Cycle Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the main processes that make up the slow carbon cycle. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what is meant by the term ‘slow carbon cycle’. Describe the main processes that make up the slow carbon … Read more