Learning resources

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

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

Horsehead Nebula © Martin Pugh, Astronomy Photographer of the Year Overall and Deep Space Winner 2009

Time Dilation by a Black Hole

Students use special relativity to calculate the effects of a black hole on time. Accompanies the video 'What's inside a black hole?'

Key stage:
Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) © Edward Henry, Astronomy Photographer of the Year Deep Space Commended 2010

Unusual Orbits in the Andromeda Galaxy

A classroom activity in which students predict and then measure the rotational velocity of material in a nearby galaxy, using their knowledge of gravitation and Doppler shifts to deduce the presence of dark matter.

Key stage:
Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

Hubble_Space_Telescope_hs-1995-44_1224x420.jpg

What did the early Universe look like?

A classroom activity that explores light / radiation throughout the history of the Universe and how we can use light to learn about the most distant galaxies.

Key stage:
Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

what is light

What is Light?

Our Universe is a vast and very interesting place and light plays a big part in us being able to understand more about it. To find out how join the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers as they explore more.

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

WMTUC.jpg

What Makes the Universe Colourful?

Our Universe is a facinating and beautiful place. Join the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers as they head off on a voyage of discovery to find out just what it is that makes it so colourful.

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

what's inside a black hole

What’s inside a black hole?

Royal Observatory astronomer Rad explains where black holes come from, how we know they’re there and the strange effects they have on surrounding matter. We also find out what would happen if astronomer Liz approached one!

Key stage:
Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Science
When will the Sun become a Red Giant?

Students use E = mc2 to calculate how long it would take the Sun to exhaust its core hydrogen. Accompanies the video 'How do we know how old the Sun is?'

Key stage:
Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Maths, Science

where does space begin - banner.png

Where does space begin?

Have you ever wondered how far away space is; how far are the different things you see above your head?

Key stage:
Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Post-16
School subject:
Astronomy, Science

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