Year 7 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 18
Master Worksheet
Learning Goals
Read the timeline
Study the timeline of space milestones below, then answer the questions that follow.
| Question | Your answer |
|---|---|
| How many years passed between Sputnik 1 and the Apollo 11 Moon landing? | |
| Which milestone on the timeline is the most recent? | |
| Which two milestones are about humans (not just machines) reaching space? |
Should we keep exploring space?
Scenario
A local newspaper runs a debate. One writer says: "Space exploration is a waste of money. We should spend it on hospitals and schools here on Earth." Another writer says: "Space exploration gives us new technology, useful satellites and important knowledge, and it inspires young people." Your job is to weigh up both sides and reach your own thoughtful conclusion.
(a) List two benefits and two concerns of space exploration. Use clear examples from the lesson.
(b) Write your own conclusion to the debate. State whether you think space exploration is worth it, and justify your view using at least two pieces of evidence.
(c) Evaluate this statement: "Australia has only ever watched space exploration from the sidelines." Do you agree? Justify your answer using a real Australian example, such as Parkes (Murriyang), Honeysuckle Creek, Tidbinbilla, or the Australian Space Agency.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?