"MAPPEN is brilliant - it offers teachers a huge array of evidence-based resources linked to the curriculum, with a choice of methodologies to cater for all learning styles. The diversity of learning sequences offered by MAPPEN is central to creating an inclusive classroom environment.”

- Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

Astrophysicist, Author of Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Bedtime, and STEM Ambassador

 

We are very lucky at MAPPEN to work in partnership with the award-winning astrophysicist, author and STEM Ambassador,
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.

Throughout her esteemed career, Lisa has conducted research at universities and institutes across the world, published more than 50 research papers and played a key role in the development of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and Australian SKA Pathfinder telescope. She is a member of the advisory group to the Australian Space Agency, the Questacon board, a Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales.

Lisa is also a bestselling author, an in-demand keynote speaker and regular on TV and radio. Her books have been shortlisted for several national & international literary awards, and as a STEM Ambassador, she also works to remove barriers to the participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Read on to learn more about our work with Lisa!

 

“MAPPEN resources support students to develop healthy mind habits like critical thinking and a growth mindset that set them up for a lifetime of success in educational and workplace settings. This mix of best-practice pedagogy and support for student's personal development is why I'm thrilled to be collaborating with MAPPEN to create fun and engaging STEM learning resources."

- Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

INTRODUCING: Earth and the Solar System (Year 5)

A MAPPEN | Lisa Harvey-Smith Learning Sequence

 
 
 

An exciting new learning sequence has landed!

This Science sequence was created especially for our Year 5 MAPPEN students, and we knew just who to turn to for help.

Lisa Harvey-Smith is not only an astronomer and authority on all things Solar System, she is also passionate about fostering curiosity in young learners and helping others understand their place in the universe.

  • What energy does the Earth get from the Sun?

  • What are planets in the Solar System and how are they classified?

  • What are other types of objects that can be found in the Solar System?

  • What is the scale of the planets in the Solar System?

  • What is the scale of the Earth and the Moon?

 

SEQUENCE ACTIVITIES

  • Prestesting & Familiarisation

    Earth and the Solar System Pretest
    Earth and the Solar System Glossary

  • Learning Opportunities

    Energy from the Sun
    Inner Planets
    Outer Planets
    Dwarf Planets, Moons, Comets and Asteroids
    Solar System Quiz
    Scale of the Solar System

  • Demonstration of Understanding

    Presentation Development and Delivery

 

Test your knowledge!

How much do you know about the Solar System? Maybe you’ll surprise yourself, or learn a couple of interesting facts! Either way, enjoy a sneak peek into what your students will learn as part of the Earth and the Solar System learning sequence.

 
 
 

MAPPEN RECOMMENDS!

UNDER THE STARS: ASTROPHYSICS FOR BEDTIME

Under The Stars transports curious kids and inquisitive adults on an incredible journey through the night sky. Explore our solar system from the comfort of your cosy bedroom. Find out why the sky is blue. Fly around a black hole and peer inside! Learn why Jupiter has stripes.

When astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith isn't looking skyward, she is answering the smart questions of school kids. Her engaging storytelling in this colourfully illustrated book brings the night sky to life, giving amazing new perspectives to young explorers who are always asking, 'Why?'