Year 7 - Science
Changing ideas about Earth
Our solar system and beyond
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores gravity as the force between masses, including weight calculation using gravitational field strength. It covers the relationship between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun, the concept of light years, and seasonal changes due to Earth's tilt.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how and why our understanding of the position and motion of Earth has changed over time.
Key Notes
- Earth was once thought to be flat, with all the stars and the Sun moving around it.
- Until the 16th century most people thought Earth was at the centre of the universe.
- Observations with telescopes provide evidence that helps us to understand the universe.
Vocabulary To Learn
- sphere: An object that is shaped like a ball is a sphere.
- geocentric model: In the geocentric model of the universe (which is incorrect), Earth is at the centre of everything.
- heliocentric model: In the heliocentric model, Earth and the other planets orbit the Sun.
- telescope: A telescope is able to magnify distant objects so they can be seen in more detail.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Science understanding is similar to politics and we can all have different opinions about what is correct.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Earth was once thought to be flat, with all the stars and the Sun moving around it. Until the 16th century most people thought Earth was at the centre of the universe.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'sphere'
An object that is shaped like a ball is a sphere. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Science understanding is similar to politics and we can all have different opinions about what is correct. Correction: Provide pupils with opportunity to see that scientific understanding is built up on evidence, and the best model we have fits with the evidence and can explain observations.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Science guide library.