Aim
Pupils should know about the nature of the Moon, its orbit, its effect on the Earth and that there are moons of other planets. Pupils should gain a deeper understanding of gravity and circular motion (KS4 Physical Processes 4 - The Earth and beyond).
Introduction
This project is aimed at pupils in early KS4.
The exploration of the Moon is the results of decades of research by rocket engineers and space scientists. The detailed knowledge of the Moon's geology, obtained from surveys and rock samples, has told astronomers a lot about its origin and given clues about the origin of the planets in the Solar System. This work was the launch pad from which all further exploration of the Solar System by the, so far, unmanned space craft has taken off.
This project aims to provide pupils with the knowledge required by the National Curriculum. The pupils can use the images obtained by the BRADFORD ROBOTIC TELESCOPE to take measurements of features on the Moon.
Lesson
The Moon affects the everyday lives of many people by creating tides. Its exploration, originally conducted through the manned APOLLO flights, continues through the unmanned lunar probes that survey the Moon from nearby orbits or land on the Moon to collect rock samples. Pupils should use the INTERNET and the BRADFORD ROBOTIC TELESCOPE to access much of the information themselves.