VC2S6U07

the force of gravity keeps Earth and other planets in the solar system in orbit around the Sun; cyclic observable phenomena, including variable day and night length, can be related to Earth’s tilt, rotation on its axis and revolution around the Sun

• exploring simulations of the solar system, such as a pocket solar system, to appreciate the distances and relationships between the Sun and planets
• recognising that gravity keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun
• using three-dimensional models or role-play to model how Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night
• using virtual simulations or real-time views of Earth from space to investigate why different regions on Earth, such as the South Pole, have a long period of sunlight and a long period of darkness during one revolution of Earth around the Sun
• using three-dimensional models to investigate how the tilt of Earth points one hemisphere towards the Sun and the other away at different times of the year, and predicting how this affects the amount of sunlight on the surface of different regions on Earth
• researching Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ understandings of the night sky and its use for timekeeping purposes as evidenced in oral cultural records, rock paintings, paintings and stone arrangements