• Royal Observatory Greenwich

Our Solar System and Beyond: Teaching Primary Science

Improve your knowledge of space science to help you deliver primary science lessons that are out of this world.

10,480 enrolled on this course

Teaching Primary Science: a child looks at a model of Earth and the wider Solar System

Our Solar System and Beyond: Teaching Primary Science

10,480 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Understand the Solar System and how to teach it with real-life astronomers

Understanding the Solar System and how to teach it can be a tricky business. Fortunately astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich are here to help.

In this online course, they’ll help you understand space, address some common misconceptions, and introduce you to the science and people behind real-life, cutting-edge discoveries.

You’ll also find out how to select the most appropriate resources for your primary science lessons. You’ll explore digital resources, museum tips, video chats and podcasts, and find out what works best for your students.

Skip to 0 minutes and 5 seconds One historic observatory, two astronomers, thousands of light years to explore. Prepare yourself to blast off into space.

Skip to 0 minutes and 22 seconds Well, sort of. Join astronomers Rad and Liz from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the home of time and space, as they take you on a voyage of discovery, through the cosmic jungle of primary school science. Explore the most common primary science misconceptions. The real science and the real people behind cutting edge discoveries. They will show you how to ignite the imagination and enthusiasm of your students. They will help you develop and stretch your knowledge so that you can develop and stretch the knowledge of your class. We will give you the power to apply all of your new found space knowledge. To make your primary science lessons truly out of this world. So what are you waiting for? Join in.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1 - Tackling scary science

  • Communicating space science and astronomy
  • Perceptions of science
  • Explain astronomical concepts
  • Reflect on your teaching
  • Common misconceptions

Week 2 - Teaching primary science and beyond

  • Teaching astronomy
  • Going off-curriculum

Week 3 - New science - taking it beyond the classroom

  • Real science, real scientists, real data
  • Science outside the classroom
  • What next? Incorporating new ideas in the classroom

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the scientific concepts behind the Sun, Earth, Moon system, the seasons, eclipses and the Solar System and interpret them in an appropriate, accurate and understandable way for your students
  • Apply your knowledge and experiment with new methods of teaching space science
  • Openly discuss challenging topics within the field of astronomy and space science with your class
  • Reflect on your perceptions of science and scientists so that you can self-modify any perceptions that could potentially discourage students from exploring the subject further
  • Identify reliable sources of information relating to cutting edge astronomy and space science and lead a discussion with your students about how real science, real people and real data relates to the world around us

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for primary school teachers and home educators, who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of space, the Solar System and science more broadly, and improving their primary science lessons.

What do people say about this course?

"Really enjoyed this course and will definitely be recommending it to colleagues that teach primary science or undertake STEM visits. It has shown me new and exciting ways to communicate science and I'm sure it will inspire others too. Many Thanks!"

Who will you learn with?

Deputy Head of Astronomy Engagement at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Senior Manager: Astronomy Education at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Founder and leader of The Presenter Network.

Senior Manager for Astronomy Education at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Who developed the course?

Royal Observatory Greenwich

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich was founded by Charles II in 1675. Today it is a museum and science centre offering inspiring, curriculum-linked experiences delivered by real astronomers.

Ways to learn

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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