Curriculum Maps

The existing Curriculum Maps are currently being revised so they map directly to the new projects which are being developed.  We have designed each of the projects so they map to the NSW Stage 5 and Stage 6 Curriculum.  We have included a list of the specific outcomes (dot points) addressed within each of the projects.  The content of the projects can also be mapped to the proposed National Curriculum.  The detailed Curriculum Maps for Stage 5 and Stage 6 will help educators and students specifically relate the Astronomy Projects to the outcomes of the NSW Science Syllabus, and are currently under revision as projects are rewritten:

Some aspects of NSW Syllabus Stage 5  and NSW Syllabus Stage 6 prescribed focus areas and knowledge and understanding that are relevant to the basic projects and teaching projects are detailed below.

Stage 5 (Yr 8-10)
    • Using examples (models, theories and laws):  Use examples that show scientists isolate a set of observations, identify trends and patterns and construct hypotheses or models to explain these. 
    • Components of the universe:  Describe some major features of the universe, including galaxies, stars, nebulae and solar systems. Describe some changes that are likely to take place during the life of a star.
    • Technology:  Identify technologies that make tasks easier or more convenient.
    • Skills:  Performing first-hand investigations 

    Image top:  NGC6302: Bug (aka Butterfly) Nebula is exceptionally hot with an estimated surface temperature of 250,000 degrees C.  Image was taken in red, green, blue and hydrogen-alpha.  Provided by: Thomas Mills High School, UK. 

    Below: Faulkes Telescope North - 'clamshell' opening     Gallery images and accompanying text courtesy LCOGT.net

Stage 6 Physics (Yr 11-12)

     
    • The Cosmic Engine:  Stars have a limited life span and may explode to form supernovae.  Identify that the surface temperature of a star is related to its colour.  Identify energy sources charcteristic of each star group, including Main sequence, red giants and white dwarfs.
    • Observations made from Earth:  Telescopes and ground-based astronomy
    • Astrophysics option.

    Image top: M1 (NGC1952) The Crab Nebula is the most famous supernova remnant known - observations date back to 1054 AD.  Image taken in Red, Visual, Blue, Oxygen-III and Hydrogen-Alpha filters on Faulkes Telescope North.  Provided by: Daniel Duggan, Courtesy LCOGT.net

    Below: H-R Diagram, Rob Hollow