Year level: 4-12
Group size: 25 maximum
Duration: 1 hour
Details of activity
This activity is obviously weather and cloud dependent.
The Centre has 10 Ipads with the Skyview app loaded. Students are shown the basic functions of the app- stars, planets, constellations- in the conference room, then progress to the oval/beach where they lay on tarps and attempt to identify as many features as possible depending on time of year. Set some basic challenges such as finding a certain constellation (preferably their own sign), locate Crux and determine due south, find where the sun and moon are if not visible, find the space station. A telescope is also available for moon and planet viewing. A debrief or follow up activity back at school could include a discussion on “that pale blue dot” by Carl Sagan. (Available at Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre (HBEEC).
Learning intent
- Students will develop a sense of awe at the size of the various components of our solar system, galaxy, and universe.
- Students will attempt to appreciate the distance of a “light year”
- Students get a feeling for the “pale blue dot”- Carl Sagan’s description of the earth in relation to its preservation and care.
Our place in the Solar System
- Students describe the key features of our solar system including planets and stars. They discuss scientific developments that have affected people's lives and describe details of contributions to our knowledge of the solar system from a range of people.
- Other curriculum links:
- Heavenly Bodies
- ICT cross curricular