KS3-4: Why gravitational waves are of supermassive importance

Suitable for 11-18-year olds (secondary and high schools, and college), this article and accompanying activity sheet can be used in the classroom, in science/space clubs and at home.

This resource links to KS3 Physics: space physics; and KS4 Space physics. It is also internationally relevant.

It can be used as a careers resource and links to Gatsby Benchmarks:
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers

The article includes an explanation of gravitational waves and what this means for space science, an interview with astrophysicist Dr Paul Lasky and an overview of gravitational-wave astronomy i.e. what is it and why should young people take an interest?

The activity sheet includes discussion points - seven questions the students can answer in groups or individually. There are also instructions on how to make a model of a black hole and links to Zooniverse Citizen Science projects.

This resource was first published on Futurum Careers, a free online resource and magazine aimed at encouraging 14-19-year-olds worldwide to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, maths, medicine (STEM) and social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE).

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