Episode 700: Preparation for Astronomy Topic

From the Institute of Physics, these learning episodes act as an introduction to cosmology and ideas about the history of the Universe. Most students should have heard of the Big Bang and expanding Universe. This topic makes it all plausible and looks at the wave speed formula, diffraction by a grating and the...

Episode 701: Observing Stars

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students see that what we know about the Universe comes from observations which rely on the radiation and particles that reach us on Earth. Students discuss astronomical observations including spectra and the information they can carry.

The activities...

Episode 702: Red Shift

Produced by the Institute of Physics, these activities demonstrate the Doppler effect.

Using sound and microwaves, the activities illustrate how changes in wavelength of spectral lines allow us to determine the motion of astronomical objects relative to ourselves.

The activities include:
*...

Episode 703: Preparation for Cosmology Topic

From the Institute of Physics, these resources help students to understand that cosmology is the study of the Universe, its origins, history and possible future. In these activities, students look at the expanding universe and cosmology. There are two learning episodes in this topic:...

Episode 704: The Expanding Universe

Produced by the Institute of Physics, in this learning episode, students look at the expanding universe by examining galaxies, Hubble's observations and cosmological red shift. A simple activity allows students to model Hubble's law.

Through discussion and activities, students look at:
* observing a...

Episode 705: Cosmology

From the Institute of Physics, these activities encourage students to discuss the origins, history and future of the universe. Through a range of discussions and activities, students look at:
• the hot big bang
• the age of the Universe
• cosmic microwave background radiation
• the future of...

Astrium

This resource features five inspiring people who developed Bridget, a six-wheeled ExoMars rover. 

Bridget is a prototype of the vehicle that will be the largest and most sophisticated vehicle ever to visit Mars.

Control Systems Engineer: Vicki Hodges

This STEMNET resource describes the background and career of STEM Ambassador Vicki Hodges, an Attitude and Orbit Control Systems engineer working on a project to develop an unmanned spacecraft.

Having joined the Astrium graduate scheme, Vicki has moved around the company and gained experience in a variety of...

Developing a Blog-Style Webquest to Support Independent Skills

Published by LSIS, this research report describes a project undertaken by New College Nottingham. The project describes the creation of a webquest to aid the learning of space exploration for a BTEC first diploma.

Using a blog facilitated a dialogue between the students themselves and also with the class...

Activity Case Study 14: Vicki Hodges

This STEMNET activity case study describes the work of Vicki Hodges as a STEM Ambassador. In a wide range of activities, she has helped to build a space station in an infant school, worked at careers fairs for older students and lectured at universities. Vicki has worked with all age groups and enjoys sharing her...