Edexcel GCSE 360Science

Edexcel GCSE (2007/8) - 360Science - Physics & Science

In this section we detail the astronomy requirements contained within the new Edexcel GCSE Science and Physics specification to be examined in 2007/8.

Please click on the following hyperlinks for further details.

Unit P1 b - Topic 12 - Space and its Mysteries

• 12.3 - explain the difference between mass and weight.

• 12.8 - describe ways of discovering information about the universe other than humans
  travelling there, including soil experiments on landers (Viking/NASA Spirit and Opportunity
  rovers) and Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).

• 12.10 - explain the role of gravity both on Earth and in astronomy, including the idea of black holes.

• 12.12 - describe stellar evolution from the nebula stage for small stars like our Sun and
  for more massive stars.

• 12.13 - discuss the risks of a global catastrophe such as a comet hitting the Earth, taking
  account the consequences, the chance of it occurring and any uncertainties.

• 12.14 - describe how the orbit of a comet differs from that of a planet or an asteroid.

• 12.15 - use data sources to compare the relative sizes of and distances between Earth,
  our Moon, the planets, the Sun, galaxies and the Universe.

• 12.16 - show an understanding of how data-logging and remote sensing can provide
  information about the universe without us travelling there.

• 12.17 - describe the solar system as part of the Milky Way galaxy and discuss how this
  is related to other galaxies and the Universe.

• 12.18 - discuss and develop an argument for and against the idea that intelligent life exists
  elsewhere in the galaxy, using scientific evidence, and propose ways to find such life.

• 12.19 - be able to recognise that there are scientific questions which remain unanswered,
  such as the existence of extraterrestrial life and the nature of dark matter that makes up
  much of the Universe's mass.

• 12.20 - describe the origin, current state and fate of the universe using the main theories
  (Big Bang, oscillating and steady state); and explain the supporting evidence for these
  theories, including microwaves and red shift.

• 12.21 - describe how the existence of life on a planet is determined by the position of the
  planet in its solar system and the position of its star in its life-cycle.

Unit P2 - Topic 12 - Power of the Atom

• 12.2 - The Sun produces its energy using nuclear fusion.