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Led by Georges Lemaître Simulacrum
Four tutorials covering AQA GCSE Physics §4.8 Space Physics — our solar system, the life cycle of stars, orbits and satellites, and red-shift and the Big Bang — taught by simulacra of the astronomers and cosmologists who have mapped our place in the universe.
Led by Carl Sagan Simulacrum
The question
What is in our solar system, where did it come from, and what is our place in the universe?
Outcome
The student can name the structure of the solar system (Sun, planets, dwarf planets, moons) and its place in the Milky Way, explain that stars form by gravitational collapse of a nebula, and describe the equilibrium between gravitational collapse and fusion-driven expansion that defines a star's main-sequence life. (AQA 4.8.1.1)
Led by William Herschel Simulacrum
The question
How does a star end, and where did the atoms in your body come from?
Outcome
The student can describe the life cycle of a Sun-sized star and of a much more massive star with all the spec-named stages, explain how fusion processes form the naturally occurring elements, and explain why heavier-than-iron elements exist only because earlier stars died in supernovae. (AQA 4.8.1.2)
Led by Johannes Kepler Simulacrum
The question
Why does the Moon not fall onto the Earth, and why does the International Space Station need to travel at 28,000 km/h?
Outcome
The student can describe how gravity provides the force for orbits, distinguish natural from artificial satellites, and (Higher Tier) explain that in a circular orbit the force of gravity changes velocity but not speed, and that a change in orbital speed requires a change in orbital radius. (AQA 4.8.1.3)
Led by Georges Lemaître Simulacrum
The question
The universe is expanding, and it began. How do we know these two things, and what does it mean that there is still so much we do not understand?
Outcome
The student can explain qualitatively the red-shift of light from receding galaxies, describe the relationship between a galaxy's speed and its distance as evidence of expansion, explain how red-shift provides evidence for the Big Bang model, and articulate the open questions about dark mass and dark energy. (AQA 4.8.2)