Science Assignment 2
The Solar System
Introduction
Below you will find the weekly science assignment as discussed in class. It
consists of a series of questions and the supporting information for you to
complete the assignment. You have one week to find the answers and they
need to be answered in full sentences. There are many ways in which you
can access the assignments. There is a copy on the main school website, the
class site on the intranet pages, the year 6 OneNote, the Learning Gateway
site (under assignments), download them in school to a memory stick, and if
necessary, you can have a paper version printed for you in school.
You will find the answers by:
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Looking in books
Reading the information on the following few pages
Using computer software such as Encyclopedias, etc.
Searching the web
Emailing a teacher if you are really stuck with a question
Asking Mums, Dads, Grannies, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers,
Sisters - in fact anyone who might be able to help. Remember though it
is your work, not theirs!
Once you have completed your assignment, you will need to go to the
‘Assignments’ part of your class website on the Learning Gateway, and
submit your assignment and attach the completed answer sheet. Alternatively,
you can submit your assignment via email or hand in your paper version of
the answer sheet to your teachers.
The Solar System
What is the object at the centre of our solar system?
What holds the planets in their orbits around the Sun?
What shape are the Sun, Earth and other planets?
What does the Earth orbit around, and how long does it take?
What does the Moon orbit around, and how long does it take?
Put in order of size (biggest to smallest) the Earth, Moon and
the Sun.
7. Is the gravitational pull on the Moon stronger or weaker than
the gravitational pull on the Earth?
8. Why does the Moon appear to change shape as it orbits the
Earth?
9. Where is the Moon in its orbit when we cannot see it at all?
10. What are the two ways in which the Earth is moving?
11. How long does it take for the Earth to rotate once on its own
axis?
12. Why do we have day and night?
13. Is it night time for all parts of the world at the same time?
14. Does the Sun move around the Earth?
15. Where does the Sun appear to rise and set?
16. At what time of day would you expect to find the shortest
shadows? Why?
17. How does the fact that the Earth's axis is tilted affect us?
18. What season is it in the northern part of the world when the
North bit is tilted towards the Sun?
19. Give two reasons why it is colder in winter than in summer.
20. In which season are there more hours of sunshine?
21. In what season would you expect to find the longest shadows?
Why?
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