NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Planets, satellites and orbits

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 a quick quiz for students to complete in pairs, the topic is on planets and students will have the opportunity to discuss their answers with their partners before discussing as a class. The answers to this task are revealed on the next slide.

Next, students are given a definition of gravitational pull and will the be given the task of researching planetary orbits. They will need to use their iPads and computers to try and find out why the orbits occur and what shape they are. At the end of this activity, the teacher can use the information on the PowerPoint slides to consolidate the knowledge learned from this task.

Next, a video will be shown to the class and each student will be given a set of questions to answer whilst watching the video. Once complete, students can assess their work using the answers on the next slide.

The next part of the lesson is on satellites. Firstly, the concept of a satellite is introduced to students and students are shown what would happen if a satellite was launched off the top of a high mountain at the correct speed to orbit Earth, vs. too fast or too slow. Students will then be provided with an information sheet on this topic, and will answer a set of comprehension questions to assess their understanding. This work can be self-assessed or peer-assessed using the mark scheme provided.

The last activity is a worksheet of exam-style questions on the topic of the lesson. The mark scheme is included for teachers to assess the work themselves, or for students to self-assess or peer-assess.

The plenary task is an anagram challenge of words based upon today’s lesson.

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