For KS3, we recommend 'Alien Worlds', which has been written by INTECH using advice from teachers. Having a live presenter allows the show to be tailored to the ability of the children and the show is followed by a Q&A session.
This show is darker than Neighbourhood Earth and contains large amounts of immersive 'flying through space' which reduce the chances for interactivity. Where required, grids and images are brought up to give context and illustrate concepts. If the students saw Neighbourhood Earth at KS2, then they will be wowed by the look of this show.
We are grateful to the STFC and Microsoft for funding this project.
The standard show contains the following sections:
· Earth: the only place we know there to be life.
· Life needs: energy (Sun), chemical building-blocks, solvent (water, from comets?)
· Effect of Earth's spin: day/night
· Effect of Earth's orbit: it's nearly circular so little change - not how we get seasons
· Effect of axial tilt: explanation of seasons
· Moon: brief look
· Panspermia: could life have come here from somewhere else on an asteroid?
· Solar system: where is good for life (distance from Sun affects temperature)
· Mars/Titan/Europa: comparing environments, exploratory missions, chance for life?
· What about life elsewhere in the universe? Can only look at the light coming to us.
· Telescopes improve our view by catching more light
· Detecting exoplanets using wobble & transits.
· The view of space at different wavelengths of light
· Scale of galaxy
· Scale of universe
Note that the exact structure of the show will be refined over time working with feedback from teachers and students. If there is one part of the show that is particularly relevant to you, please let us know when booking.
Last Modified: 15/06/2009