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Science at key stage 3    (Year 9)

Unit 9J: Gravity and space
Section 5: How have our ideas about the solar system changed?

QCA

Objectives
Children should learn:
  • that our ideas about the solar system have changed over time
  • to consider and evaluate conflicting evidence to arrive at a view
  • to use more formal language appropriate to objectivity and impartiality

Activities

Outcomes
Children:
  • Present, using secondary sources, some alternative models of the solar system, eg the ideas of the ancient civilisations of Egypt, India, Greece, and the contributions of Thales, Aristarchus of Samos, Copernicus. Ask pupils to consider a model and to use secondary sources, eg internet sites, encyclopedias, to suggest the evidence for and against it. Pupils could be asked to participate in a class debate defending a particular model, eg that the Earth is the centre of the universe.
  • With the class, summarise the main strengths and weaknesses of each model and ask pupils to write up their own conclusion.
  • describe an early model of the solar system and how it differs from our present model
  • argue a point of view in defence of a model of the solar system, providing evidence for their position
  • use more formal language in their summary, eg passive verbs, third person

Points to note
  • This activity provides an opportunity to illustrate early ideas about the solar system from a range of cultures. Pupils will not find it easy to provide evidence which contradicts some of these theories.
  • A heliocentric model with orbiting planets requires an understanding of what maintains the planets in motion at fixed distances round the Sun. This was a major challenge to scientists.

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. What is gravity?
2. a. How does gravity change?
3. b. How does gravity change?
4. Checking progress
5. How have our ideas about the solar system changed?
6. a. What keeps the planets and satellites in orbit?
7. b. What keeps the planets and satellites in orbit?
8. c. What keeps the planets and satellites in orbit?
9. Reviewing work