Learning resources

Curriculum-linked learning resources designed to work in the classroom.

Sky Away from the Lights © Tunç Tezel, Astronomy Photographer of the Year Earth and Space Commended 2012

Satellites in Space

A classroom activity that explores the how satellites are used in space including orbits time and speed along with transmission and frequency of light.

Key stage:
Key Stage 4
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

startrails_4_Spin-Cycle_tile.jpg

Scales of the Universe

Students use distance, speed and time to understand galactic scales. Accompanies the video 'How big is the Universe'.  

Key stage:
Key Stage 4
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

A Quadruple Lunar Halo © Dani Caxete, Astronomy Photographer of the Year Earth and Space Commended 2013

Searching for Life on Extrasolar Planets

In this activity students learn about the importance of spectroscopy in looking for signs of life on planets outside of our solar system. Accompanies the video 'Are there aliens?'

Key stage:
Key Stage 4
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

Encounter of Comet and Planetary Nebula © Gerald Rhemann.jpg

Space rocks

There are lots of names associated with space rocks, so what is the difference? Join the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers to find out. They will also explore what space rocks can tell us about our very own planet Earth.

Key stage:
Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

Sirius 9798 © David Pye, Astronomy Photographer of the Year Stars and Nebulae Joint Runner-Up 2015

Star Trails and Sidereal Day

In this activity students use star trails to calculate the true rotation period of the Earth. Students can make their own star trails inside the classroom - watch the video 'Making star trails'.

Key stage:
Key Stage 4, Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

Stars and the H-R Diagram

Stars and the H-R Diagram
Key stage:
Key Stage 4, GCSE, Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

Stars and the H-R Diagram

Stars and the H-R Diagram
Key stage:
Key Stage 4, GCSE, Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

pitch black credit NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre_1224x800.jpg

Stellar Sat Nav

In this classroom activity, students will use bearings to plot constellations. They are then asked to think about what they represent.

Key stage:
Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

The Arrow Missed the Heart © Lefteris Velissaratos, Astronomy Photographer of the Year Planets, Comets and Asteroids Winner 2015

The Force of Gravity

Students look at the behaviour of gravity with distance to calculate the gravitational forces between people and celestial objects. Accompanies the video 'How will the Universe end?'

Key stage:
Key Stage 4
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

Origin of the Elements

The Origin of the Elements

The Universe we see today is made from particles arranged in a wide variety of elements, but where did it all come from?

Key stage:
Key Stage 4, Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

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