1. An Introduction to the sky at night

2. GCSE Astronomy Topic 1 – Earth, Moon and Sun
Topic 2 – Planetary systems
Topic 3 – Stars
Topic 4 – Galaxies and Cosmology

3. How are you assessed? Unit 1: Understanding the Universe Examination
Unit 2: Exploring the Universe
Coursework
You will be assessed through one two-hour examination paper in June containing the four topics listed previously.
The paper has a variety of different question types such as multiple-choice questions, short and extended-answer
questions, and graphical and data questions.
The paper is not tiered – it covers all grades from A* to G.
You will be assessed on the quality of the astronomical observations you complete during the course. You will choose two observational projects, one completed with the naked eye and the other using simple astronomical instruments such as a sundial, a telescope, binoculars or a camera. You will be given a list of possible projects from which to choose. Your observations will be assessed on the quality of their design, observations, analysis and evaluation.
● Controlled assessment is weighted at
25% of the course.
● It’s worth 40 marks.
● It can be completed at any time
during the course and submitted in
May prior to the written examination.
● Candidates are assessed internally by
teachers. A sample of work will be
requested by Edexcel for external
moderation.

4. Lesson Objectives
• To be able to describe the appearance of stars, double stars, nebulae and clusters, asterisms and constellations.
• To be able to recognise and draw familiar asterisms and constellations.
• To know how stars in a constellation are labelled.
• To appreciate how the list of constellations was established.

5. Bell Work
Describe what you know about how a star looks and any facts you already know about them here

6. The Appearance of Stars
A fixed luminous point in the night sky that is a large, remote luminous body like the sun

7. Nebulae
A cloud of gas and dust in outer space, visible in the night sky either as an indistinct bright patch or as a dark silhouette against...

8. Clusters
Star clusters or star clouds are groups of stars

9. Asterism
A prominent pattern or group of stars, typically having a popular name but smaller than a constellation

10. Constellation
A group of stars forming a pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure

11. To be able to describe the appearance of stars, double stars, nebulae and clusters, asterisms and constellations.
Mini Review
On the sheet provided draw an example of a star, nebula, cluster, asterism, and constellation. Write by each a description. Can you remember what the below is?
A prominent pattern or group of stars, typically having a popular name but smaller than a constellation

12. Construct your Knowledge
To know how stars in a constellation are labelled.
Construct your Knowledge
On the computers find images of the Plough, Orion, Cygnus and Cassiopeia. Draw these into your books, labelling the key stars with the appropriate Greek letters

13. Construct your Knowledge 2
You need to now obtain images of open clusters, globular clusters and nebulae, and draw annotated diagrams of these in your books.

14. Construct your knowledge 3
To appreciate how the list of constellations was established.
Construct your knowledge 3
Research how the official list of 88 constellations was established and explore what constellations exist in other cultures.

15. Apply Your Knowledge
Write from memory how the official list of 88 constellations was established

16. Review
What can you now write in the second box about stars? Put what activities you did to gain that knowledge along the arrows