1. Science ideas I need to know
Astronomy Year 9
The Earth, the Sun and the Moon
Science ideas I need to know
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End of Unit
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I know some of this
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I know this
Describe the daily and annual movements of Earth
Understand that the Earth orbits around the Sun, like the other planets, and the Moon orbits around the Earth
Understand how the length of a day depends upon the speed of its rotation on its axis
Understand how the length of a planets year depends upon its time taken to orbit the sun once
Understand that the Earth orbits in an Ellipse (extension)
Understand that the tilt of the Earth’s axis causes seasons
Relate the Lunar cycle to the phases of the moon
Understand the Causes of solar and lunar eclipses
Appreciate that Eclipses occur when one body in space moves into the shadow of another body.
Know that Solar eclipses occur when the new Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.
Know that Lunar eclipses occur when a full Moon moves into the shadow of the Earth.
Understand that Tides on Earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon (and to a lesser extent, the Sun.)
Understand Spring or Neap tides are created due to the positions of the Moon and the Sun in relation to Earth
Identify Visual objects in the New Zealand night sky (southern cross, Matariki - the Pleiades, Moon)
Appreciate because of Earth’s rotation the stars are not in the same place throughout the night
Outline how energy is produced by the sun
Explain what a light year is and how astronomers use it

2. Science ideas I need to know
Astronomy Year 9
The Solar System and Space Travel
Science ideas I need to know
Start of Unit
End of Unit
I know this
I know some of this
I need to learn this
I know this
Identify and Compare features of different planets in the Solar System
Appreciate the large distances between the of the components of the solar system
Understand because of the vast distances in the solar system we use Astronomical Units (extension)
Recognise the problems associated with space travel and establishing bases on other planets
Recognise that The Big Bang Theory is currently accepted explanation of the beginning of the universe.
(extension)