NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Formation of our Solar System

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘Space’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

The lesson begins with an introduction to the beliefs about our Solar System, many thought that the Sun was at the centre of our Solar System, until around the 17th century a scientist called Copernicus discovered that the Earth and other planets actually rotated around the Sun.

The next couple of slides gives students the chance to recap their knowledge of the order of the planets in the Solar System. Then, students will take part in a fact-finding task where there are information points around the room on the Solar System, stars and galaxies. They will be provided with a worksheet which they will have to complete using this information, the task can self-assessed using the answers provided in the PowerPoint. Once complete, students can have a go at the space crossword, and self or peer mark once it is complete.

The next part of the lesson will focus on the birth of our solar system, and stars. Students will be provided with a comprehension sheet, which they can read and then answer the questions which go along with it. Once complete, the task can be assessed using the mark scheme provided.

The last part of the lesson focuses on why stars shine, using the PowerPoint slides the process of nuclear fusion leading to a main sequence star is explained to students. It also goes into explain why, in terms of forces, a star in it’s main sequence stage is considered to be stable. After students have learned this, they will be asked to complete a quick check task to assess their understanding. The answers provided in the PowerPoint slide will allow students to mark their work.

The plenary task requires students to summarise what they have learned this lesson in three sentences, using the list of key words provided.

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know at swyftresources@gmail.com.