QUESTION 1
1. Most students in AST1631 are studying to become teachers. Life Science teachers and
Geography teachers are often asked to teach Natural Sciences in Grade 7-9. What information in
Chapters 21, 22 and 23 of the AST1631 Astronomy textbook could be used to teach Natural
Science (Grades 7-9), Life Sciences or Geography?
Application of AST1631 Astronomy Textbook Content to Grade 7 Natural Sciences (CAPS)
Term 4: Planet Earth and Beyond (15 Weeks)
AST1631 Relevant CAPS
Practical Application / Teaching Activity
Chapter/Topic Topic & Concepts
• Use a globe and torch to demonstrate how the tilt
Relationship of the
of the Earth's axis causes differing intensities of
Sun to the Earth
Ch 6: The Earth solar energy, leading to seasons (Study Guide,
• Earth's axial tilt
(Study Guide, 2025, p. 78).
(23.5°) and seasons
2025) • Explain the flow of energy from the Sun to
• Solar energy and life
support life and the formation of fossil fuels
on Earth
(Study Guide, 2025, p. 82).
Stored Solar Energy
Ch 6: The Earth • Use diagrams to trace the flow of energy from
• Formation of coal,
(Study Guide, the Sun to the formation of fossil fuels (Study
oil, and gas from
2025) Guide, 2025, p. 84).
ancient organisms
• Demonstrate gravity by swinging a ball on a
string to show how the Earth is held in orbit by the
Relationship of the
Ch 7: The Moon Sun's gravity and the Moon by the Earth's gravity
Moon to the Earth
(Study Guide, (Study Guide, 2025, p. 92).
• Gravity
2025) • Use diagrams to explain how the Moon's gravity
• Tides
causes tides and how the Sun's gravity adds to this
during Spring Tides (Study Guide, 2025, p. 95).
• Explain the relative positions of the Sun, Earth,
Ch 7: The Moon Relationship of the
and Moon during New Moon and Full Moon to
(Study Guide, Moon to the Earth
account for Spring Tides (Study Guide, 2025, p.
2025) • Relative positions
96).