Close message Scootle is currently experiencing a disruption to the "Log in via your education network" process. We are working to have this remediated as soon as possible. In the meantime, a large portion of Scootle resources can still be accessed using the "Guest login" option. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Science / Year 10 / Science Understanding / Earth and space sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

The universe contains features including galaxies, stars and solar systems, and the Big Bang theory can be used to explain the origin of the universe (ACSSU188)

Elaborations
  • identifying the evidence supporting the Big Bang theory, such as Edwin Hubble’s observations and the detection of microwave radiation
  • recognising that the age of the universe can be derived using knowledge of the Big Bang theory
  • describing how the evolution of the universe, including the formation of galaxies and stars, has continued since the Big Bang
ScOT terms

Universe

Video

What emerged from the Big Bang?

This 13 minute video in 3 parts explains how the Big Bang theory developed by looking at the evidence that supports it, including Hubble's theory of the birth of the universe, Hoyle's naming of it and Einstein's theory of energy and matter. Part 2 looks at what happened after the Big Bang - the emergence of the 4 fundamental ...

Video

Threshold 2: The Stars Light Up

This short video gives an overview of the emergence of the first atoms, hydrogen and helium, 380,000 years after the Big Bang. The effects of gravity led to tiny variations in the density of matter throughout the Universe, which in turn became heated, resulting in fusion and the emergence of the first stars, galaxies, and ...

Video

Threshold 1: The Big Bang

This short video offers an overview of The Big Bang - the unanswered questions about what preceded it, and the existence of space and time after it, as well as matter and energy. The forms that energy and matter then took is explained.

Video

Triple J: Why is Pluto not a planet?

Watch this clip and learn why Pluto was taken off the official list of planets. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki explains the three criteria that must be met before planets can be called planets. What are they?

Video

Stars in the southern hemisphere

Have you heard of the Southern Cross? It's a constellation (a grouping of stars) that can be found in the southern hemisphere. What does it look like? See if you can follow the tips from this video and find it in the sky at night!

Video

When neutron stars collide

Using technologically advanced supercomputers, scientists have developed theories about the creation of black holes deep in outer space. Watch the computer simulation in this clip to see how the collision of two neutron stars produces a gamma ray burst and a new black hole. Discover that our continuing understanding of ...

Text

Solar wind gives asteroids a tanning

This brief ABC News in Science article from 2009 explains that asteroids become redder the longer they stay out in the sun because of the solar wind. Scientists are using this to try to find our more about our planetary origins.

Video

Very Large Telescope

This 10 minute video segment from Catalyst explains why the telescope is located where it is and relates it to the properties of light.

Audio

Space telescopes and servicing Hubble

This radio interview gives examples of how improvements in technology have influenced astronomy. The Space Shuttle Atlantis is paying a service call to the Hubble Space Telescope, repairing, replacing and deploying new equipment. Jonathan Nally describes the mission and looks at other large telescopes in orbit now, and ...

Audio

Science student of the year Western Australia 2008

This friendly chat helps to break down some stereotypes about scientists. Jacinta Delhaize travelled to Chile and work at the Gemini South Observatory in the Andes Mountains. She talked about her experience with high school students and for this received the Science Student of the Year award in 2008. Her PhD researches ...

Interactive

Laptop wrap: Under universal skies

A webpage with a focus on the electromagnetic spectrum and its links with radio astronomy with supporting activities and links to resources.

Interactive

Night Sky Quiz

This is a ten question multiple choice quiz that gives students feedback on their understanding of about the nature of the night sky and the universe. A useful resource to determine what students already know or to promote discussion. Feedback provides some excellent explanations.

Video

BTN: The biggest radio telescope in the world

In the past, astronomers explored the universe with their eyes and optical telescopes, but what they could see was limited. Find out how radio telescopes have revolutionised the way astronomers 'see' the universe, allowing us to explore deeper into space than ever before.Watch this clip to learn about Australia's contribution ...

Video

Catalyst: Birth of radio astronomy

Did you know that some of the most ground-breaking scientific discoveries were made by chance (serendipity)? Discover the link between static on a telephone line and the invention of the radio telescope that has helped scientists find new clues to the origin of the universe.

Text

Work sample Year 10 Science: Big bang theory

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 10 Science. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation of ...

Interactive

Stellarium Web

Stellarium provides a web-based version of a planetarium that allows users to explore what's visible in the sky from any location in the world. It calculates the positions of the Sun and Moon, planets and stars, and draws how the sky would look to an observer depending on their location and the time. It can also draw the ...

Interactive

The greenhouse effect

This interactive simulation explores the effect of greenhouse gases and clouds on sunlight, infrared radiation, and surface temperature of the Earth. In a series of simulations students explore why greenhouse gases affect the temperature; they compare and contrast the behaviour of sunlight and infrared radiation; investigate ...

Text

Thermoregulation in spacesuits

Space exploration demands technological advances that enable survival in extremely harsh environments. In this lesson, students will explore contemporary spacesuit design and create their own representation of the suit’s thermoregulation system.

Online

Education - Return to 1616 Ecological Restoration Project

This is a comprehensive education package based on of the world's most exciting ecological restoration projects that is happening right now in Western Australia! It features interactive virtual tours, 3D skulls, videos, real-action inquiry projects, research projects, native animal educational card games and activities, ...

Video

NASA celebrates Aura's ten-year orbit!

Aura is a NASA satellite that in 2014 celebrated ten years orbiting Earth, collecting data about the planet's atmosphere and climate. Aura is helping scientists better understand global systems, including the composition of gases in the ozone layer, air pollution and climate change. Watch to learn more about this space ...