This year we have had two visits from the C S I R O. In the first visit we looked at alternative energy sources. (Solar and wind power.) In the second visit we used LEGO to construct simple structures and machines using gears, levers, wheels and axles.
On Wednesday the 22nd of August, the stage two and three classes visited Sydney Observatory.
We went there to learn more about astronomy and space exploration. Highlights of the visit included the awesome experience of the 3- D space theatre, a look at the night sky in a bean bag planatarium and a view through a very large telescope.
After the visit we walked through ‘The Rocks,’ one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs. We enjoyed a view of the Sydney Opera House while we ate our lunch. Osman and Denzel drew these sketches of the Opera House.
The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned mission to land on the moon. It was the fifth human spaceflight of the Apollo programs, and the third human voyage to the moon. Launched on July 16th, it carried Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module pilot Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin. On July 20th, Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Collins orbited above. When Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the surface of the moon he said,
“THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND.”
The Silver Dragons would like to find the answers to these questions about the solar system.
How big are stars? Ashley
A red giant star may be 65 or 80 million kilometres across. Some are even larger. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star 400 million kilometres across.
How hot is it on Venus? Geraldi
On Venus, the greenhouse effect is so powerful that it keeps the surface’s temperature at about 475 degrees celsius. This is hot enough to melt lead.
Why is Pluto not a planet anymore? Taraariki
It is too small to be classified as a planet. It is now known as a dwarf planet.
How far away is Saturn from Earth? Katherine
It is about one billion miles away from Earth.
Is there life on Mars? Joshua
Mars is harsh planet unsuitable for human life. Microbes have been found in rock from Mars.
What is happening to our ozone layer? Isaac
Besides Earth, is there life on other planets? Deon
What does NASA stand for? John
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Who filmed the first man to walk on the moon? Sarah
What is the moon made of? Katie?
How hot is the sun? Tahlia
The sun’s core (centre) is 15 ooo ooo degreees celius.
How many planets are there in our solar system? Anthony
There are eight planets and one dwarf planet in our solar system.
Who was the first person to walk on the moon? Kenny
Neil Armstrong
How many days would it take to travel to Mars and Pluto? Osman and Yousha
Viking 1, launched on 20th August 1975, reached Mars after ten months.
Why is Neptune always stormy? Justin
Astronomers think Neptune’s weather must be driven by internal heat.
