Unit Award Scheme

shown knowledge of

1. at least three different methods scientists use to observe and discover facts about space, at least one of which is space based, and describe the features that make each method suitable for its purpose

2. the components of the solar system, ie sun, planets, major moons, asteroids, Kuiper belt, Oort cloud, long and short period comets, meteors

3. the units of distance used in astronomy including astronomical units and light years

acquired an understanding of

4. the dynamic nature of the universe, providing an explanation that includes orbital movement, relative stella motion, stella evolution and universal expansion

5. the relationship between a planet's distance from its sun and its temperature, describing the reasons for any perceived anomalies, eg global warming

demonstrated the ability to

6. explain and outline the evidence for the Big Bang theory, including cosmic microwave background radiation and redshift, and at least one competing theory

7. evaluate the evidence for both these cosmological theories

8. describe the potential fate of the universe by explaining the theory and evidence for at least two competing theories, eg the Big Crunch, Big Freeze or Big Yawn

9. provide a personal opinion on which theory they think is most likely and why.