This term we are beginning by looking at space. We will complete a student led inquiry following a basic inquiry process. Details will be added as we confirm the direction the inquiry takes, as led by the HB Piwakawaka learners.

After completing a brainstorm with every learner in the HB to assess what they knew and what they wanted to find out, we have gone ahead and planned an inquiry into Space.

We will be looking at:

Session 1: Earth rotation and revolution, orbit dynamics, introduce the sun, day/night, seasons

Session 2: Orbit dynamics, gravity, earth/moon/sun orbits,

Session 3: The moon: what is the moon? Phases, tides, how many moons are there (on earth and other planets).

Session 4:
Astronauts and moon landing, who’s been to space. Rocket ships - how to launch? Who can go into space - can birds? How long does it take to get there? Space stations. Satellites. Can you use electronics in space? Jumping on the moon.

Session 5 and 6:
Planets and the sun (what are they made out of? Where did they come from? What do they do?) Solar systems, galaxies, the milky way… How far away are they? Do all planets have moons?

Session 7:
Asteroids, meteorites, comets, shooting stars…

Session 8:
Is it hot in space? Black holes. Worm holes.

Session 9:
Matariki stars and the sun. Beetlejuice (the star). How to see the stars at their brightest.

Session 10:
Aliens, UFOs, Earth (the planet)

Below are some ideas from last time we did a space inquiry.