Meteorite

Supermassive Space

Is there anything out there? Explore how scientific developments have allowed us to see further into space and further back in time than ever before. Discover how people have used the planets and stars to measure time and navigate. Find out how meteorites end up on earth and what they can tell us about space.

  • Supermassive Space is a new, cross-curricular workshop run at the National Museum of Scotland that helps develop skills in maths, science and technologies.
  • Suitable for Levels 3 & 4 (S1-3)
  • 10:15 / 12:45 (2hrs)
  • You can download the resources

What will my pupils do in the workshop?

Introduction

  • Explore the distance of a selection of stars from Earth and introduce the term ‘light years’.
  • Discuss the concept that, because the distances of these stars are so huge, and because their light takes so long to reach us, when we see it we are effectively looking back in time.
  • Using a distance / timeline, match events on earth with when light left the stars.
  • Work as a class to estimate and signpost the distance of key features in the universe.

Meteorite handling

  • Handle real and fake meteorites.
  • They will explore the properties of real meteorites, discover where they come from, what they are made of and what they can tell us about our universe.

Telescope technology

Follow instructions to learn how to make a Galilean (refracting) and a Newtonian (reflecting) telescope.

Explore how telescope technology has developed by matching telescope facts and discoveries to telescope images.

Time, navigation and exploration

  • Explore how we use the stars to help us tell the time and navigate
  • Handle and try out the instruments used to facilitate this:
    • Planisphere
    • Sundial
    • Compass
    • Sextant
    • Satellite navigation.

This workshop may be followed up by a visit to our Earth in Space gallery.

Curriculum areas and key learning outcomes

Sciences

 

Space

 

Learners develop their understanding of the Earth’s position within the universe while developing a sense of time and scale. They develop their understanding of how our knowledge of the universe has changed over time and explore ideas of future space exploration and the likelihood of life beyond planet Earth.

 

By using my knowledge of our solar system and the basic needs of living things, I can produce a reasoned argument on the likelihood of life existing elsewhere in the universe.

SCN3-06a

 

By researching developments used to explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.

SCN4-06a

Vibrations and waves

 

By exploring the refraction of light when passed through different materials, lenses and prisms, I can explain how light can be used in a variety of applications.

SCN3-11a

Topical Science

I have researched new developments in science and can explain how their current or future applications might impact on modern life.

SCN4-20a
Mathematics

 

Time

 

Using simple time periods, I can work out how long a journey will take, the speed travelled at or distance covered, using my knowledge of the link between time, speed and distance.

MNU3-10a

 

I can use the link between time, speed and distance to carry out related calculations.

MNU4-10b

Measurement

I can apply my knowledge and understanding of measure to everyday problems and tasks and appreciate the practical importance of accuracy when making calculations

MNU4-11a

Angle, Symmetry & Transformation

 

Having investigated navigation in the world, I can apply my understanding of bearings and scale to interpret maps and plans, and create accurate plans and scale drawings of routes and journeys.

MTH3-17b
Technologies

 

Technological Developments in Society

From my studies of technologies in the world around me, I can begin to understand the relationship between key scientific principles and technological developments.

TCH3-01a

 

I can apply skills of critical thinking when evaluating the quality and effectiveness of my   own or others’ products or systems

TCH4-14b

Craft, Design, Engineering & Graphics Contexts for developing technological skills & knowledge

I can apply skills of critical thinking when evaluating the quality and effectiveness of my own or others’ products or systems.

TCH 4-14b

 

I can explore the properties and functionality of materials, tools, software or control technology to establish their suitability for a task at home or in the world of work.

TCH 4-14c

 

By examining and discussing the features of everyday products, I am gaining an awareness of the factors influencing design and can evaluate how these products meet the needs of the user.

TCH 4-14d

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130