1. Natural Sciences Grade 7
Term 4: Planet Earth and Beyond
Historical development of astronomy

2. Topic 3 Historical development of astronomy
Early indigenous knowledge
Natural Sciences - Grade 7

3. Observing predictable patterns [1]
The ancient people observed that the celestial objects moved in predictable ways.
These objects and their movements were:
- identified with spirits and gods by our early ancestors.
- related to natural phenomena [drought, tides, rain, day, night and
seasons].
Each day’s recording of the changing patterns in the sky that were observed, resulted in the recording of the passing of time.
VOCABULARY:
astronomy [the scientific study of the Universe]
Nomadic [wandering and living in no fixed place, according to the availability of seasonal trade/ food/ pasture.
celestial [of the sky]
constellation [grouping of stars that the astronomers named]
phenomena [society or nature’s events/ facts, especially those that are not understood]
Natural Sciences - Grade 7

4. Observing predictable patterns [1]
The ecliptic:
- this predicable pattern was discovered very early.
- it is the annual path that the Sun appears to travel across the sky.
- it appeared as if the Sun was moving on this ecliptical belt.
- it also appeared that the visible planets, the stars and the moon’s paths
stayed very close to the ecliptic.
VOCABULARY:
astronomy [the scientific study of the Universe]
Nomadic [wandering and living in no fixed place, according to the availability of seasonal trade/ food/ pasture.
celestial [of the sky]
constellation [grouping of stars that the astronomers named]
phenomena [society or nature’s events/ facts, especially those that are not understood]
Natural Sciences - Grade 7

5. Observing predictable patterns [2]
The zodiac chart
A circle of 12 constellations of
30º divisions of celestial
longitude.
It is only visible at specific times of the year.
It seem as if it follows the path on the eclipse of the Moon and the Sun.
The people used it as a calendar /
star map to measure direction
and time.
Zodiac chart
In astrology, a natal chart is a stylized map of the universe with the "native" (the individual or subject or anything Created or Built to be studied) at the centre.
It is calculated for the exact location as well as the time of the native's birth.
The important purposes are to gain insight into the native's personality and potential.
Star map
It is a map of the night sky.
Astronomers divide the maps into grids in order to use them more easily.
They are used to identify the galaxies, stars and constellations [locate astronomical objects].
Natural Sciences - Grade 7