Astronomy in the Astronomy in the National UK National UK

CurriculaCurricula

Dr. Chris Leigh 1st September 2011

Astrophysics Research InstituteAstrophysics Research InstituteLiverpool Liverpool John Moores UniversityJohn Moores University

Discover the Cosmos

Astronomy in the UK

Astronomy in Scottish Schools

Astronomy in Primary Schools – England and Wales

Key Stage 2 : Age 8-11

Topic: SC4Physical Processes

Section: 4The Earth and beyond

Pupils should be taught:

The Sun, Earth and Moon•that the Sun, Earth and Moon are approximately spherical.Periodic changes•how the position of the Sun appears to change during the day, and how shadows change as this happens.•how day and night are related to the spin of the Earth on its own axis.•that the Earth orbits the Sun once each year, and that the Moon takes approximately 28 days to orbit the Earth.

Astronomy in Secondary Schools – England and Wales

Key Stage 3 : Age 11-14

Topic: SC4Physical Processes

Section: 4The Earth and beyond

Pupils should be taught:

The Solar System•how the movement of the Earth causes the apparent daily and annual movement of the Sun and other stars.•the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and planets in the solar system.•about the movements of planets around the Sun and to relate these to gravitational forces•that the Sun and other stars are light sources and that the planets and other bodies are seen by reflected light.•about the use of artificial satellites and probes to observe the Earth and to explore the solar system.

Astronomy in Secondary Schools – England and Wales

Key Stage 4 : Age 14-16

Topic:How Science Works

Section: 8Environment, Earth and Universe

Pupils should be taught:

The Solar System• the solar system is part of the universe, which has changed since its origin and continues to show long-term changes.

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Note that the KS4 is vague because, at this age, students study for their first major examinations (GCSEs) and the content of lessons is driven by the examination boards.

GCSEs – Edexcel

2011 Specifications

GCSE in AstronomyEarth, Sun and Moon; Planetary Systems; Stars; Galaxies and CosmologyCoursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)

GCSE in PhysicsUnit P1: Universal physicsVisible light and the Solar System; Electromagnetic Spectrum; Waves and the UniverseCoursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)

GCSE in ScienceUnit P1: Universal physicsVisible light and the Solar System; Electromagnetic Spectrum; Waves and the UniverseCoursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)

GCSEs – OCR

2011 Specifications

GCSE in Science AModule P1: The Earth in the UniverseWhat do we know about the place of the Earth in the UniverseCoursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)

GCSE in Physics AModule P1: The Earth in the Universe (as per Science A)Module P7: Further Physics – Studying the UniverseNaked eye astronomy; Light, telescopes and image; Mapping the Universe; The Sun, the stars and their surrounding; The astronomy communityCoursework (75%), Controlled Assessment (25%)

A level (GCE) / EPQ – OCR, AQA, WJEC and Edexcel

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) Age 16-18

OCR: A level in Physics AModule 5: Modelling the UniverseGravitational Fields; Structure of the universe; The evolution of the universe

AQA: A level in Physics AUnit 5 : Section B : Astrophysics OptionLenses and Optical Telescopes; Non-optical Telescopes; Classification of Stars; Cosmology

WJEC: A level in PhysicsUnit PH2: Waves and ParticlesMatter, Forces and the Universe; Photons; Using radiation to investigate stars

edexcel: A level in PhysicsUnit 5: Physics from Creation to CollapseAstrophysics and Cosmology, incl. Life Cycle of Star, Energy Sources in Stars

Any Questions ?Any Questions ?

cjl@astro.livjm.ac.uk

Astrophysics Research InstituteAstrophysics Research InstituteLiverpool Liverpool John Moores UniversityJohn Moores University

Dr Chris Leigh