This lesson is the second lesson in the “Space” topic and covers the structure of our solar system and the composition of the planets within it. The lesson contains various links to online videos, modelling software and simulations that really help students understand the vastness of space and allow them to explore the universe in which we live. It also addresses the misconception around the distances between selestial objects, gives students the opportunity to describe strenghts and weaknesses in scientific models, and an activity to get students to identify patterns and trends in data about the planets. This lesson is designed to be easy to teach, student led and is ideal for non-specialist teachers. This Lesson Contains: Lesson powerpoint, including activity delivery instructions for teachers, full answers, 3 main student activity tasks to choose from, plenary task, AFL whiteboard task and discussion activities Student Activity Worksheet and Answer Sheet (PDF) (Main task Option C) Lesson Objectives: Describe the structure of our Solar System Compare position and composition of the planets of the Solar System Identify trends and patterns in data and draw conclusions

This lesson is lesson 6 in the Year 8 “Working as a Scientist 2” topic. This lesson focuses on how we communicate science to different audiences, and how we can tailor our writing and presentation of information to suit them. This lesson is designed to be a “click and teach” lesson with minimal planning needed from the teacher, which is great for non-specialist teachers. Lesson resources contain: Lesson powerpoint containing class activities and instructions, teacher delivery notes in “notes” section, discussion slides and full answers. PDF copies of different types of scientific communication (A childrens science book, newspaper article and scientific journal article) all about melting ice caps. PDF copy of a simple scientific journal article for students to adapt about the effects of temperature on seed germination (Students should have already looked at germination in Year 7) NOTE: All example pieces of scientific writing are all tailor made for this lesson and are of the correct reading age for Year 8 students. Lesson Outcomes: Describe the key features of effective scientific communication Describe how to adapt communication for different audiences

This lesson is the fourth lesson in the “Space” topic and covers why we get different length days and different temperatures at different times of year. The lesson contains a mini-student practical, animated gifs to illustrate concepts clearly, AFL miniwhiteboard tasks to assess understanding, and a link to an online modelling software that really helps students understand the changing angles and position of the sun at different times of year. This lesson is designed to be easy to teach, student led and is ideal for non-specialist teachers. This Lesson Contains: Lesson powerpoint, including activity delivery instructions and tips for teachers, full answers, gif illustrations, simulation link, plenary task, AFL whiteboard tasks and discussion activities Lesson Objectives: Explain the apparent motion of objects in the sky Explain why hours of daylight and temperature change during the year Describe seasonal changes in different places on Earth

This lesson is the fifth lesson in the “Space” topic and covers why the moon appears to change shape in our sky and the names of the phases of the moon. The lesson contains a mini-student practical, AFL mini-whiteboard tasks to assess understanding, challenge tasks for higher ability students, and a link to an online modelling software that really helps students understand the changing phases of the moon. This lesson is designed to be easy to teach, student led and is ideal for non-specialist teachers. This Lesson Contains: Lesson powerpoint, including activity delivery instructions and tips for teachers, full answers, simulation link, mini-class practical (and optional alternatives), plenary task, AFL whiteboard tasks and discussion activities Student phases of the moon worksheet (PDF) and answer sheet (PDF) Lesson Objectives: Name/Sketch/Describe the phases of the Moon Explain why you see phases of the Moon