Science / Year 7 / Science understanding / Earth and space sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

model cyclic changes in the relative positions of the Earth, sun and moon and explain how these cycles cause eclipses and influence predictable phenomena on Earth, including seasons and tides (AC9S7U03)

Elaborations
  • using physical models or virtual simulations to explain how Earth’s tilt and position relative to the sun causes differences in light intensity on Earth’s surface, resulting in seasons
  • examining the effect of the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun on Earths oceans and describing how the relative positions of the moon and sun with respect to Earth result in tidal variations
  • using physical models or virtual simulations to explain the cyclic patterns of lunar phases and eclipses of the sun and moon
  • researching knowledges held by First Nations Australians regarding the phases of the moon and the connection between the lunar cycle and ocean tides
  • investigating First Nations Australians’ calendars and how they are used to predict seasonal changes
  • researching First Nations Australians’ oral traditions and cultural recordings of solar and lunar eclipses and investigating similarities and differences with contemporary understandings of such phenomena
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
ScOT terms

Eclipses,  Orbits,  Seasons,  Tides

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Climate calculations

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Triple J: Why is Pluto not a planet?

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Gravity and orbits

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Orrery, c1770 - part 2

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