Observing the Universe
The nature and practice of science. How scientists use tools, models and evidence to understand the universe — from the solar system to Aboriginal sky knowledge.
Lessons
10 totalWhat is science?
Explore the purpose and branches of scientific knowledge.
Scientific tools and measurement
Use instruments accurately and compare their reliability.
Planning and conducting investigations
Design a safe, fair test — then carry it out.
Graphing and drawing conclusions
Spot trends in data and explain what they mean.
The solar system — models and history
How our picture of the solar system has changed over time.
Earth, Moon and Sun
Relative positions that explain day, night and seasons.
Lunar phases and eclipses
Why the Moon's shape appears to change — and when shadows fall.
Aboriginal sky knowledge — Moon and tides
How First Nations Peoples use lunar cycles to understand the natural world.
Aboriginal sky knowledge — stars and seasons
Reading the stars to predict seasons, animal behaviour and plant cycles.
Advances in space science
A recent breakthrough that changed what we know about the Universe.
Syllabus Outcomes
- SC4-OTU-01 Explains how observations are used by scientists to increase knowledge and understanding of the Universe