English National Curriculum - Science

The expanding universe: red-shift

Mission Objectives

Explain what red-shift is

State how we know when a galaxy is moving away from us

Describe the evidence that the universe is expanding

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

red-shift

the increase in wavelength (shift towards the red end of the spectrum) of light from an object moving away from the observer

blue-shift

the decrease in wavelength (shift towards the blue end of the spectrum) of light from an object moving towards the observer

doppler effect

the apparent change in wavelength and frequency of waves from a source that is moving relative to an observer

wavelength

the distance between two successive points on a wave that are in phase, for example, from crest to crest or trough to trough

galaxy

a large collection of billions of starts, along with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Samantha Batch

Samantha is a dedicated and accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience in the field, coupled with a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven track record of strategically managing educational departments, driving operational efficiencies, and nurturing collaborative relationships with stakeholders. 

Samantha previously served as the Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 teaching experience and leadership. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, she is also an examiner for AQA, providing her with valuable insight into assessment standards and exam specifications.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket, where she's enthusiastically honing her skills both on and off the pitch!

Required Resources

Buzzer in a bag attached to a piece of string - demo of Doppler effect.

Online simulations – Tools such as PhET “Redshift and the Doppler Effect” allow students to manipulate the speed and direction of light sources to see changes in wavelength.

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