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Unit 5 · 8 lessons

Space Exploration

The Sun and how it powers Earth, the Moon's phases, eclipses and tides, the planets and the vast distances between stars and galaxies, the evidence for how the universe and solar system began (including Indigenous sky knowledge), and how space technology helps life on Earth.

  • 74 practice questions
  • 74 flashcards
  • 1 interactive lesson
Start lesson 1 →Unit 5 test review →

Lessons

  1. 1The SunThe Sun is a star: a giant ball of hot plasma powered by nuclear fusion in its core. Learn its layers from the core to the corona, what sunspots, flares, prominences and the solar wind are, how solar storms affect technology on Earth, and why the Sun is essential for life.9 questions
  2. 2How the Sun Drives Earth's SystemsEarth's tilted axis, not its distance from the Sun, causes the seasons by changing the angle of sunlight and the length of the day. The Sun's uneven heating also drives winds, ocean currents and the water cycle, solar particles make the auroras, and sunlight powers solar, wind and hydro energy.10 questions
  3. 3Moon Phases, Eclipses and TidesThe Moon is always half lit by the Sun; its phases are how much of that lit half we see as it orbits Earth every 29.5 days. When the Sun, Earth and Moon line up we get solar and lunar eclipses, and the Moon's gravity (helped by the Sun's) raises the tides.Interactive9 questions
  4. 4The Solar SystemThe solar system is the Sun and everything held by its gravity: eight planets (four small rocky terrestrial planets and four giant planets), dwarf planets like Pluto, and countless asteroids, comets and meteoroids. Learn what makes something a planet and how to compare the planets' features.9 questions
  5. 5Distances and Scale in SpaceSpace distances are so huge that kilometres become awkward. Use scientific notation to handle the big numbers, the astronomical unit (AU) for distances in the solar system, and the light-year for distances to stars and galaxies, then build a scale model to picture how empty space really is.9 questions
  6. 6Stars, Galaxies and the UniverseStars differ in colour, temperature, size and brightness, and the H-R diagram sorts them into groups. A star's mass decides its life story, from nebula to white dwarf, neutron star or black hole. Stars gather by the billions into galaxies such as our Milky Way.9 questions
  7. 7Origin and Evolution of the Universe and Solar SystemThe Big Bang theory explains how the universe has expanded and cooled for about 13.8 billion years, supported by redshifted galaxies, the cosmic microwave background and the mix of light elements. The nebular hypothesis explains how the Sun and planets formed from a spinning disc 4.6 billion years ago. Indigenous knowledge systems, such as Mi'kmaw and Anishinaabe sky knowledge, offer long-tested ways of understanding the sky.10 questions
  8. 8Space Exploration and TechnologySatellites in different orbits forecast weather, guide GPS and watch for floods, wildfires and climate change. Canada is known for space robotics (Canadarm, Canadarm2, Dextre), Earth-watching radar satellites (RADARSAT) and its astronauts, including Jeremy Hansen on Artemis II. Weigh the benefits, costs, spinoffs and sustainability of exploring space.9 questions