Home/Curriculum resources/Indigenous Astronomy and the Solar System/Inquiry-based learning questions
Learning Area:
Science
Year levels:
Level 5, Level 6
Inquiry-based learning questions
This activity is a part of the Indigenous Astronomy and the Solar System resource.
Scorpius featuring Mars and Saturn. Photographer: Peter Lieverdink. Source: Flicker. License: CC BY-SA 2.0.
These inquiry-based questions are provided for flexible classroom use, allowing teachers to tailor discussion and reflections specific to their classroom needs
Inquiry questions
What are the planets of the Solar System in order of distance from the Sun?
What are some of the ideas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have about the planets and what they mean?
What are some of the scientific questions answered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions of the motions of planets?
Related activities within this resources:
What is Stellarium?
Discover Stellarium, a digital planetarium that offers a vivid depiction of the night sky worldwide, showcasing the celestial dance of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars in real-time.
Activity 1 - Planet nomenclature
In this activity, students will research and share Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander names for visible planets, explore their ordering by distance and size, and analyse how these names reflect knowledge about the planets, offering insights into cultural perspectives on celestial bodies.
Suggested timing:
30 minutes
Required resources:
Laptop/tablet, Internet access
Activity 2 - Observing retrograde motion using Stellarium
In this activity, students will use the Stellarium digital planetarium to visually explore retrograde motion of planets, observing their positions relative to stars and constellations, and take notes on their movements.
Suggested timing:
30 minutes
Required resources:
Stellarium app, Laptop/tablet
Activity 3 - Observing the planets (Homework task)
In this homework activity, students will hone their observational skills by identifying planets in the evening sky without relying on apps or aids.
Required resources:
Star wheel for the southern hemisphere