1. GHOU and the curriculum in Northern Ireland A changing landscape Robert Hill Director Northern Ireland Space Office

2. New curriculum New curriculum for 11 – 14 year olds (Key stage 3) Joined up approach to learning Project based activities Core Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) base

3. New resources Astronomy and Space science to be one of the key units for Key Stage 3 All schools connected to the Classroom 2000 C2K network elearning environments for teacher and pupil resources

4. Key problems Need to address the decline of pupils taking up STEM activities at higher level (supporting evidence UK Case4Space review, Barstow report) 11-14 year olds decide on which subjects to take at 14 years old Science inspiring but time too short in class to grasp basic concepts

8. Northern Ireland Space Office NISO jointly funded by curriculum authorities and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward RH asked to write astronomy and space units for Key Stage 3 by CCEA (Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) Integrate new Information Technology resources into new curriculum Develop new thematic units that can be separate or cross curricular by nature

10. Underneath the Stars Science The aim of this unit: help young people understand the significance of the constellations and how the stars of the constellations are formed. There are five main sections in this unit: 1. Discovering what a Star is and how it is formed. 2. Exploring the life cycle of a star 3. Using resources to look at the night sky, such as the star-finder/planisphere, Faulkes telescope 4. Developing an awareness that the night sky changes with the seasons 5. Exploring the causes, consequences of, and possible solutions to light pollution.

11. Underneath the Star Maths There are three main sections in this unit: Exploring how we locate objects in the night sky using a coordinate system Looking at aspects of geometry, shape and design using some of the constellations Using Powers of Ten to generate units and numbers that are manageable, from the microscopic to the telescopic.

12. Underneath the Stars Religious Education Unit The aim of this unit is to develop pupils understanding of the Christmas Star and how the existence of the universe is used to base arguments for belief in a God. There are three main sections to this unit: Exploring the story of the Christmas star and the possible suggestions of explanation that have been put forward Explore how the order of the night sky influenced the Psalmists and others belief in God Examine and question the Cosmological theory for the existence of God (existence of order in the universe – first cause). How have other religions used celestial activity for their religious festivals and understanding of the universe?

13. Questions to ask Am I/Are we making an impact in the region? Who is aware of the work undertaken? Does my/our work relate to others visions, missions, objectives or agendas? Have I/we evidence of the impact? Can I/we influence regional actors? Can I/we sustain the work?

14. rob@spaceconnections.net www.armaghplanet.com www.spaceconnections.net