Astro

1. RUTHERFORD COLLEGE SCIENCE
Achievement Standard Science90954 V1:Demonstrate understanding
of the effects of astronomical cycles on planet Earth
Resource reference: Science 1.15A
Resource title: Astronomical cycles and their effects on Planet Earth
Credits: 4
Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with
Excellence
Demonstrate understanding of Demonstrate in-depth Demonstrate comprehensive
the effects of astronomical cycles understanding of the effects of understanding of the effects of
on planet Earth. astronomical cycles on planet astronomical cycles on planet
Earth. Earth.
Student instructions
Introduction
This assessment activity requires you to present a visual presentation showing your
understanding of the effects of astronomical cycles on planet Earth.
The spin and tilt of Earth, the orbit of Earth around the Sun, and the orbit of the Moon around
Earth, has a profound effect on the conditions on Earth. To do this assessment activity you
will need to use images, diagrams, and notes.
Demonstrate an understanding of at least two of the following.
The astronomical cycles:
The spin of Earth
The orbit of Earth around the Sun
The orbit of the Moon around the Earth
The effect of the tilt of Earth and the heating effect of the Sun.
The effects on Earth:
Day and night
Seasons
Changes of temperature during the day and night
Changes of temperature with the changes in season at the North and South
poles, latitude of New Zealand, Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the
Equator.
Formation and the direction of winds in the Southern hemisphere
Direction of surface ocean current flows in the Pacific Ocean
Phases of the Moon
Formation of tides
Neap and Spring tides.

2. Task
1. Research
(a) Collect information about at least TWO of the astronomical cycles listed AND their
effects on Earth. This information should include images, diagrams, statistical data
and general information.
(b) Gather your research into a folder to allow you to use it when you write your report.
This folder will be needed in the week starting October 15th (Week 1, term 4). You
may be given some class time for research, but some homework time will be
necessary.
2. Report
(a) You have 3 periods (3 hours) in class during week 1 Term 4, to use the information
in your resource folder to produce a visual resource. This will be done individually,
under exam conditions. The report may be a poster or a written report with images or
diagrams.
(b) Images and diagrams from your research folder may be used, but explanations must
be in your own words.
(c) In your report:
Clearly describe at least TWO astronomical cycles from the list given
AND explain all of the effects each has on Earth.
Explain the links between the different astronomical cycles (and their effects)
you have chosen. ie. How do they influence each other?
Evidence/Judgements for Evidence/Judgements for Evidence/Judgements for
Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with
Excellence
The student has demonstrated The student has demonstrated The student has demonstrated
understanding of the effect on in-depth understanding of the comprehensive understanding
planet Earth of astronomical effect on planet Earth of of the effect on planet Earth of
cycles. The student has: astronomical cycles. The astronomical cycles. The
presented a resource student has: student has:
that contains some or presented a resource presented a resource
all of the following: as for Achievement as for Merit
visual images, included paragraphs included further images,
information, diagrams, that explain effects of data, and diagrams to
and data these astronomical show how different
arranged the above to cycles on Earth. astronomical cycles can
describe the links have more than one
between the relevant effect on
astronomical cycles and Earth.Accompanying
the effects on planet paragraphs explain how
Earth. the different cycles and
effects are linked and
can influence one
another.