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Mullard Space Science Laboratory
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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
Short Astronomy Related Activities
Alkaseltzer rockets
Instructions on how to make a rocket using an effervescent tablet and ideas of how to discuss the activity with reference to Newton’s Third Law.
CD Spectrometer
Students can make a simple spectrometer using a CD and a cereal box. There is an explanation in terms of the distinct spectral produced by each element.
How big is the Moon?
Students can construct some simple apparatus to enable them to calculate the diameter of the Moon. Part of this activity may need to be set as homework as it requires students to make an observation of the Moon in the sky.
How big is the Sun?
Students make a pinhole camera to safely view the Sun and will use simple proportions to calculate the diameter of the Sun.
The Physics of Impact Craters
Students create impact craters in flour and cocoa powder, determine the kinetic energy of the object and find a relationship between the crater size and the velocity or kinetic energy.
How fast does the Sun rotate?
Use real images of the Sun to find out how fast it is rotating. The graph gives a template for students to work from.
What are impact craters?
Students use images of the Moon provided to identify features produced by cratering. They can then use modelling clay or plasticine to create their own craters.
Solar system spacing
Students use a toilet roll to help them mark out a scale representation of the distances between planets in the solar system. A suggested scale is provided.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
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Alka-seltzer rockets 26.5 KB
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CD Spectrometer 394 KB
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How big is the Moon? 37 KB
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How big is the Sun? 33 KB
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The physics of impact craters 36.5 KB
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What are impact craters? 655.5 KB
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Solar system spacing 38.5 KB
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Sunspot images 715.5 KB
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Sunspot distance chart 25.5 KB
Show downloads
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Alka-seltzer rockets 26.5 KB -
CD Spectrometer 394 KB
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How big is the Moon? 37 KB
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How big is the Sun? 33 KB
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The physics of impact craters 36.5 KB
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What are impact craters? 655.5 KB
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Solar system spacing 38.5 KB
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Sunspot images 715.5 KB
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Sunspot distance chart 25.5 KB
Download all files as a .zip1.66 MB
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