This flexible unit is designed to cover the Australian National Curriculum for Year 2 - Earth and Space Sciences. Throughout this unit, students will develop an understanding of our solar system, particularly that the Earth’s rotation on its axis and orbit of the sun cause regular, predictable changes. 

Australian Curriculum - (QLD/SA/WA/NT/TAS/ACT)

AC9S2U01

Recognise Earth is a planet in the solar system and identify patterns in the changing position of the sun, moon, planets and stars in the sky

AC9S2I01

Pose questions to explore observed simple patterns and relationships and make predictions based on experiences

AC9S2H01

Describe how people use science in their daily lives, including using patterns to make scientific predictions

Overview

The key concepts in this unit include:

 

  • The Earth is a special place, and our home in the solar system.
  • Our solar system is made up of 8 planets (including the Earth) orbiting the Sun in the centre.
  • While we used to believe the planets, Sun and Moon moved around the Earth, the movement we observe comes from the Earth’s rotation and orbit.
  • The Earth’s rotation is responsible for our day and night cycle, while the orbit accounts for our year and seasons.
  • Our knowledge of the movement of the solar system allow us to make accurate predictions.
Learning Intention
  • We are learning to recognise Earth is a planet in the Solar System and identify patterns in the changing position of the sun, moon, planets and stars in the sky.
Lessons
Linked Resources & Activities
Linked Worksheets

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