Mark Jennings

Unit Plan: Stage 1 Physics Spaceflight and rocket science, energy and heat
Unit Title: Spaceflight, rocket science, Energy & Heat
Year Level: Stage 1 (Year 11)
Strands, Topic & sub-topics
Science as a human endeavour:
Working and living in space
Spaceflight
Rocket Science
Science understanding:
Subtopic 4.1 Energy
Subtopic 3.1 Heat and Temperature
Aims & Overview
By exploring science as a human endeavour, students develop and apply their understanding of the complex ways in which science interacts with society,
and investigate the dynamic nature of physics. They explore how physicists develop new understanding and insights, and produce innovative solutions to
everyday and complex problems and challenges in local, national, and global contexts. In this way, students are encouraged to think scientifically and
make connections between the work of others and their own learning. This enables them to explore their own solutions to current and future problems
and challenges.
Students use mathematical relationships to determine and measure quantities based on work done, conservation of energy, and power. They investigate
the efficiency of different mechanical systems and explore emerging technologies in sustainable energy generation.
Students develop their understanding of the link between the temperature of matter and the kinetic energy of its particles. They investigate the flow of
energy and explain it in terms of conduction, convection, and radiation. They explore applications of the expansion of materials due to the motion of
their particles. (SACE, 2016)
Context/Setting: The class comprises 26 students (22 boys and 4 girls)
Duration: 4 weeks
Lessons per Week: One single (45 mins) and two double lessons (85 mins)
Key Questions and Key Concepts:
Working and Living in Space (Science as a Human Endeavour)
Radiation is a hazard in space. On Earth the Van Allen belt generated by the Earths magnetic field protects us from solar radiation.
Microgravity is caused by orbiting bodies falling around a gravitational body.
Weightless environments make it difficult to manipulate tools, eat and drink.
Isolation is a problem psychologically and medically.

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Medical problems are caused by weightlessness

Manned spacecraft and spacesuits must remain pressurised and within certain temperature ranges.
Spaceflight (Science as a Human Endeavour)
Landmarks in the International Space Programs
Students also consider one of the following:
Australias role in spaceflight history
The future of spaceflight
Human colonisation of the Moon and Mars
The feasibility of spaceflight beyond the Solar System
Energy
Energy exists in a number of different forms including kinetic, elastic, gravitational potential, rotational kinetic, heat, and electrical.
Energy can be transferred from one object to another or transformed into different forms of energy.
Describe examples of energy being transferred from one object to another and being transformed from one type to another.
Explain qualitatively the meaning and some applications of various forms of energy, including kinetic energy and potential energy.
Solve problems using K= mv2 and E=mgh
Describe energy transfers between objects and within different mechanical systems.
Energy is conserved when transferred from one object to another in an isolated system. Solve problems using the conservation of energy. The work
done on an object is equivalent to the change in energy of that object.
When a force is applied to an object causing a displacement over a distance, work is done.
Explain work in terms of an applied force.
Heat
Heat energy is a measure of the total kinetic energy of the particles within an object or substance.
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles within an object or substance.
Temperature can be measured with different scales (common ones being degrees Celsius, degrees Fahrenheit and Kelvin).
Heat transfer can occur through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Objects in thermal contact ultimately reach thermal equilibrium. Most solids, liquids, and gases expand when heated. Most rockets use rapidly expanding
gases.
Rocket Science (Science as a Human Endeavour)
Students understand the design elements used to design a rocket

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Capabilities:
The following are aligned with the SACE identified capabilities for this subject and that are expected to be developed by students
Literacy
extracting physics information presented in a variety of modes
using a range of communication formats to express ideas logically and fluently, incorporating the terminology and conventions of physics
communicating appropriately for specific purposes and audiences.
Numeracy
solving problems using calculations and critical thinking skills
recording, collating, representing, and analysing primary data
identifying and interpreting trends and relationships
calculating and predicting values by manipulating data and using appropriate scientific conventions.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
locating and accessing information
collecting, analysing, and representing data electronically
modelling concepts and relationships
using technologies to create new ways of thinking about science
communicating physics ideas, processes, and information
understanding the impact of ICT on the development of physics and its application in society
Critical and Creative Thinking
analysing and interpreting problems from different perspectives
interpreting and evaluating data and procedures to develop logical conclusions
devising imaginative solutions and making reasonable predictions
envisaging consequences and speculating on possible outcomes
recognising the significance of creative thinking on the development of physics knowledge and applications.
Personal and Social Capability
understanding the importance of physics knowledge on health and well-being, both personally and globally
making decisions and taking initiative while working independently and collaboratively
planning effectively, managing time, following procedures effectively, and working safely
sharing and discussing ideas about physics issues developments, and innovations while respecting the perspectives of others
recognising the role of their own beliefs and attitudes in gauging the impact of physics in society
seeking, valuing, and acting on feedback.
Ethical Understanding
using data and reporting the outcomes of investigations accurately and fairly
acknowledging the need to plan for the future and to protect and sustain the biosphere
recognising the importance of their responsible participation in social, political, economic, and legal decision-making.

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Intercultural Understanding
recognising that science is a global endeavour with significant contributions from diverse cultures
respecting and engaging with different cultural views and customs and exploring their interaction with scientific research and practices
being open-minded and receptive to change in the light of scientific thinking based on new information
understanding that the progress of physics influences and is influenced by cultural factors.

(SACE, 2016)
Standard(s) Learning Requirements:
In this subject, students are expected to:
1. apply science inquiry skills to design and conduct physics investigations, using appropriate procedures and safe, ethical working practices
2. obtain, record, represent, analyse, and interpret the results of physics investigations
3. evaluate procedures and results, and analyse evidence to formulate and justify conclusions
4. develop and apply knowledge and understanding of physics concepts in new and familiar contexts
5. explore and understand science as a human endeavour
6. communicate knowledge and understanding of physics concepts, using appropriate terms, conventions, and representations.
(SACE, 2016)
Assessment Activity:
Diagnostic: Diagnostic quiz on energy and heat general concepts questions from Pearson Science 8 and Pearson Science 9
Formative: Observations of group participation in Spaceflight is a waste of human resources? discussion week 2 lesson 1
Formative: Survey Monkey evaluation questions on SHE tasks
Formative: Exit card week 2 lesson 3
Formative: feedback on heat worksheets submitted for marking week 4 lesson 1
Formative: Survey Monkey understanding of energy and heat week 4 lesson 2
Formative: practice test for year 11 exams (non-SACE) Energy and heat
Summative: Investigation Folio Task - SHE - Rocket science
Differentiation:
Language disability
Preview texts, identify or highlight the main idea
Present sequential steps for tasks
Reduce length of assignments
Simplify questions and check understanding

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Key Concepts and skills
Week 1 Science as a human endeavour
Lesson 1 History of rocket development:
Single German rocket development in WW2 (V2
rocket)
Landmarks in the Russian Space Program, NASA
Saturn, Apollo and Space shuttle programs.
International Space Station.
Lesson 2 Science as a human endeavour
Double Working and living in space:
Radiation is a hazard in space. Van Allen belt
generated by the Earths magnetic field protects Explain
us from solar radiation.
Teaching and learning activities (including Resources and Assessment Activities
equipment)
Engage
Play video Space Shuttle Launch Audio - play LOUD (no music)
HD 1080p
Explain
Ask class when and where do you think that modern rocket
technology began?
Explain the beginnings in WW2
Explore
Play video WW II: RARE COLOR FILM: NAZI V2 ROCKET
FACILITY
Elaborate
In groups, students use internet to research Russian and NASA
space programs answering questions on Space History
worksheet
Evaluate
Ask class some of the questions from the Space History
worksheet and elaborate on responses where necessary
Resources:
Space history worksheet
Internet Access
Video Space Shuttle Launch Audio - play LOUD (no music) HD
1080p
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoNITE-CLc
Video: WW II: RARE COLOR FILM: NAZI V2 ROCKET FACILITY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjFTN-YdK_M
Engage (Flipped)
Students watch the following video prior to the lesson: How
did Apollo deal with the Van Allen radiation belts?
Introduce the concept of microgravity.
Play video: Microgravity

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Microgravity is caused by orbiting bodies falling
around a gravitational body.
Weightless environments make it difficult to
manipulate tools, eat and drink.
Isolation is a problem psychologically and
medically.
Medical problems are caused by
weightlessness:
Fluids move to upper part of body
Atrophied Muscles
Rapid loss of minerals/fragile bones
Space Adaptation Syndrome (Space
Sickness)
Readjustment to Earths Gravity
Manned spacecraft and spacesuits must remain
pressurised and within certain temperature
ranges.
Lesson 3 Science as a human endeavour
Double Combination of space history and medical
problems research.
Explore
Ask class what other problems need to be overcome in space
travel?
Elaborate
Students work through Space medical problems associated
with space travel worksheet
Evaluate
Ask class some of the questions about medical problems and
clarify where necessary.
Resources:
Space medical problems associated with space travel
worksheet
Microgravity -- The International Space Station
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUVKkt-7FfY
Flipped: How did Apollo deal with the Van Allen radiation
belts? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNiscigIgBc
Collaborative inquiry, continuing research on: Summative -
Space history worksheet and Investigation Folio Task -
Space medical problems associated with space travel SHE - Rocket science
worksheet
Ask students what useful resources they have found and
record on google docs make available to all students.
Introduce SACE Investigation Folio Task summative
assessment:
Read through and discuss task
Discuss the rubric and assessment standards
Recommend writing strategy
Resources
Internet Access
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Investigation Folio Task - SHE - Rocket science

http://www.nap.edu.au/_resources/2012_Marking_Guide.pdf
The marking Criteria

Week 2 Science as a human endeavour Engage Formative - Observations

Lesson 1 The future of spaceflight Class is divided into 4 groups. of group participation
Human colonisation of the Moon and Mars Explain
The feasibility of spaceflight beyond the Solar Each group is tasked with developing and argument to
System support a particular viewpoint:
Political
Economic
Social
Technological
Explore
Class debate from their viewpoint Spaceflight is a waste of
human resources?
Elaborate
Time given to work on draft of Investigation Folio Task
Evaluate
Any questions on Folio Task?
Resources
Internet Access
Lesson 2 Science understanding - Energy Engage (Flipped) Survey Monkey
Energy exists in a number of different forms Students watch the following video prior to the lesson: Work, evaluation questions on
including kinetic, elastic, gravitational potential, Energy, and Power Crash Course Physics #9 SHE tasks
rotational kinetic, heat, and electrical. Explain Diagnostic quiz on
Energy can be transferred from one object Explain to class energy concepts in Energy PowerPoint energy and heat
to another or transformed into different Explore
forms of energy. Explain transformation of energy in a gas turbine
Play video: How a Gas Turbine Works
Elaborate

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Describe examples of energy being transferred Independent working on textbook questions.

from one object to another and being Evaluate
transformed from one type to another Ask what is the difference between transferring and
transforming energy? Ask for examples and discuss.
Survey Monkey evaluation questions on SHE tasks
Resources
Survey Monkey evaluation questions on SHE tasks
Worked examples
Video: How a Gas Turbine Works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcWkEKNvqCA
Energy PowerPoint
Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book A 3rd Edition
Video: Work, Energy, and Power Crash Course Physics #9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4QFJb9a8vo
Lesson 3 Science understanding - Energy Engage Summative -
Explain qualitatively the meaning and some Play video: Work, Energy, and Power Crash Course Physics Investigation Folio Task -
applications of various forms of energy, #9 - reinforcement SHE - Rocket science
including kinetic energy and potential energy. Explain Draft due
Solve problems using K= mv2 and E=mgh Explain qualitatively the meaning and some applications of
Describe energy transfers between objects and various forms of energy, including kinetic energy and Formative: Exit card
within different mechanical systems. potential energy.
Explore
Describe energy transfers between objects and within
different mechanical systems using tennis ball demonstration
Elaborate
Solve problems using K= mv2 and E=mgh from textbook
Evaluate
Exit card
Resources
Exit card
Tennis balls
Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book A 3rd Edition

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Week 3 Science understanding Heat
Lesson 1 Heat energy is a measure of the total kinetic
energy of the particles within an object or
substance.
Temperature is a measure of the average
kinetic energy of the particles within an object
or substance.
Temperature can be measured with different
scales (common ones being degrees Celsius,
degrees Fahrenheit and Kelvin).
Lesson 2 Investigation Folio Task - SHE - Rocket science
writing time
Lesson 3 Science understanding Energy
Energy is conserved when transferred from one
object to another in an isolated system. Solve
problems using the conservation of energy. The
work done on an object is equivalent to the
change in energy of that object.
Engage (Flipped)
Students watch the following video prior to the lesson:
Temperature Crash Course Physics #20
Explain
Heat energy is a measure of the total kinetic energy of the
particles within an object or substance.
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the
particles within an object or substance.
Explore
Explain temperature scale and conversion
Elaborate
Solve temperature heat and temperature problems from
textbook Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book B 3rd Edition
Evaluate
Time for Q&A class discussion re- Investigation Folio Task -
SHE - Rocket science
Resources
Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book B 3rd Edition
Video: Temperature Crash Course Physics #20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BHbJ_gBOk0
Students work independently on investigation folio task
Resources
Investigation Folio Task - SHE - Rocket science
Internet Access
Engage (Flipped) Investigation Folio Task -
Students watch the following video prior to the lesson: SHE - Rocket science
Collisions Crash Course Physics #10 (momentum revision and final due date
introduction to kinetic theory)
Explain
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When a force is applied to an object causing a
displacement over a distance, work is done.
Explain work in terms of an applied force.
Explain to class the concepts of conservation of energy using
PowerPoint conservation of energy
Explore
Explain work in terms of an applied force by demonstration
pushing objects
Elaborate
Solve conservation of energy problems using textbook
Evaluate
Observation of work done
Resources
PowerPoint conservation of energy
Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book A 3rd Edition
Video: Collisions Crash Course Physics #10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-QOfc2XqOk

Week 4 Science understanding Heat Engage Formative feedback on

Lesson 1 Heat transfer can occur through conduction, Conduction demonstration: heating a metal rod heat worksheets
convection, and radiation. Convection demonstration: heating a liquid submitted for marking
Explain
Heat concepts using Heat PowerPoint
Explore/Elaborate
Students work through Heat worksheet
Evaluate
Collect heat worksheets and end of lesson for formative
feedback
Resources
Heat PowerPoint
Heat worksheet: SASTA Stage 1 Physics Workbook (Australian
Curriculum) Example Chapter 3.pdf

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Lesson 2 Science understanding Heat
Objects in thermal contact ultimately reach
thermal equilibrium. Most solids, liquids, and
gases expand when heated. Most rockets use
rapidly expanding gases.
Lesson 3 Formative test
Engage (Flipped) Survey Monkey
Students watch the following video prior to the lesson: The understanding of energy
Physics of Heat: Crash Course Physics #22 and heat
Explain
Rockets use rapidly expanding gases as propulsion
Play video: High Quality - Apollo 8 Saturn V rocket launch
Explore
Continue working with heat worksheet
Elaborate
Solve temperature heat and temperature problems from
textbook Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book B 3rd Edition
Evaluate
Observation of progress through textbook questions -answer
any questions to class.
Survey understandings of Energy and Heat
Resources
Heat questions - Physics Key Ideas Stage one Book B 3rd
Edition
Heat worksheet: SASTA Stage 1 Physics Workbook (Australian
Curriculum) Example Chapter 3.pdf
Video: High Quality - Apollo 8 Saturn V rocket launch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzCsDVfPQqk
Video: The Physics of Heat: Crash Course Physics #22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuSC0ObB-qY
Practice year 11 exam paper: energy and heat Formative practice test
(under exam conditions) for year 11 exams (non-
Feedback to be supplied SACE) Energy and heat
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References
SACE. (2016). South Australian Certicifate of Education Physics Outline. Retrieved from SACE: https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/physics/stage-1/support-
materials

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