We are learning to:
- describe Earth's place as part of the Solar System
- explain how different objects in the Solar System relate to one another
- compare and contrast features of objects in the Solar System
- test theories to explain observable movement of the Sun and Moon in our sky
- consider current scientific views about Earth’s place in Space
- create an accurate model of the Solar System
- explain how evidence is used to develop explanations of events and phenomena in Science
Engage - Tuning in to what we know
Eratosthenes’ epiphany
Eratosthenes was a Greek mathematician, astronomer, geographer and poet who lived about 200 years before Christ. He was born in Cyrene but became the chief librarian at the Library of Alexandria, in Egypt.
Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of the Earth (the distance around the Earth) by using observations of the Sun and shadows. Read the comic to find out about Eratosthenes' claim and how he went about proving his claim.
Discuss:
How did the characters use information in their world to form their ideas?
Why did the characters disagree?
What did Eratosthenes (Erra–tos–the–neez) suggest when they disagreed? Why?
Why do you think the companion listened to Eratosthenes’ ideas?
What persuasive device did Eratosthenes rely on most: Ethos, Logos or Pathos?
What evidence do we have now that would further support Eratosthenes’ ideas that the Earth is a sphere?
How did the characters use information in their world to form their ideas?
Why did the characters disagree?
What did Eratosthenes (Erra–tos–the–neez) suggest when they disagreed? Why?
Why do you think the companion listened to Eratosthenes’ ideas?
What persuasive device did Eratosthenes rely on most: Ethos, Logos or Pathos?
What evidence do we have now that would further support Eratosthenes’ ideas that the Earth is a sphere?
Building a Logical Argument
Argumentation is at the heart of what scientists do — they pose questions, make claims, collect evidence, debate with other scientists and compare their ideas with other experts.
In this unit, you will have many opportunities to practice making scientific arguments or explanations.
A useful model for writing a scientific explanation is the CER model. It shows us that an argument or explanation is built from:
In this unit, you will have many opportunities to practice making scientific arguments or explanations.
A useful model for writing a scientific explanation is the CER model. It shows us that an argument or explanation is built from:
- A claim that answers the question
- Evidence from experimental data or observations of the natural world
- Reasoning that involves a "rule" or scientific principle that describes why the evidence supports the claim
Claim: a statement about what you think you know about the topic |
Evidence: the facts or information that help us decide whether a claim or idea is valid |
Reasoning: explains how the evidence supports the claim |
In your Science Journal, write a summary of Eratosthenes' Scientific Argument. What was his claim? What evidence did he have to support his claim? How does this evidence support his claim?
Debating our Place
Download the TWHL Chart into Pages to complete the table.
Centred on the Sun
In your science group, you are going to:
- Build a model that demonstrates one of the three claims from above.
- Write a description of the terms: rotate, orbit and orrery.
- Present your model to the class.
Explore - Finding out more!
Observing Sky Objects
At home you will make observations of objects in the sky to gather evidence to support the claim that the Sun and the Moon are moving in relation to the Earth.
You will need to make at least two observations, over the time period of at least an hour. You will do this by:
Please remember not to look directly at the sun, as it damages your eyes.
You will need to make at least two observations, over the time period of at least an hour. You will do this by:
- observing the position of the Sun relative to an easily recognisable landscape object, such as a tree
- recording the time of observation and its location using a photograph/drawing including the tree returning to the exact position one hour later and repeating the exercise until the Sun is set.
- if the Moon is visible while you are awake, you might also complete a similar set of observations for the Moon.
- if stars are visible, you might also complete a set of observations for an easily recognisable constellation.
Please remember not to look directly at the sun, as it damages your eyes.