Archives: Lessons

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

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

Carbon Reservoirs Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss the distribution of carbon within the Earth system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the distribution of carbon in the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Compare the relative distribution of carbon between different reservoirs. Compare long-term and … Read more

Interactions Between Earth’s Spheres Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how matter and energy move within and between Earth’s spheres. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Give examples of how Earth’s spheres overlap and interact. Describe the movement of matter within and between Earth’s spheres, with … Read more

The Earth System Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at the four main spheres making up the Earth system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Identify the main spheres making up the Earth system. Describe the following spheres: The lithosphere The hydrosphere The atmosphere The biosphere … Read more

Gears and Drives Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how gear drives, belt drives and chain drives transfer forces and motion. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what is meant by ‘mechanical power transmission’. Describe gear drives, belt drives and chain drives and discuss how … Read more

Reproduction in Animals Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about different sexual reproduction strategies in animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss how sexual reproduction varies for different types of animals. Compare internal and external fertilisation. Compare internal and external development, including viviparity, oviparity and … Read more

Reproduction in Plants Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about reproduction in plants, in particular, flowering plants. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the parts of a flower, including male and female reproductive structures. Describe pollination and fertilisation in flowering plants. Describe seeds and the … Read more

The pH Scale Learning Objective In this lesson we will discuss how acidity is measured and how it can be adjusted. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and explain how it can be adjusted. … Read more