These modules are normally tried out on teachers or students before making them generally available to teachers. Many of these modules use the making of simple models to illustrate the principles involved. Because astronomy now forms an integral part of the new curriculum, many teachers sought help in preparing material for lessons on astronomy and related subjects. A number asked for specific material on topics such as eclipses, seasons, planets and the Moon and its phases. Most of these have been reworked into modules and the SEI is encouraging teachers to come forward with further ideas.
Some modules are sequential.
For example, there is a series that shows how to verify the inverse-square law, which is followed by another on calculating the power of the Sun, which then enables students to find the distance to a star using a third module. Because Curriculum 2005 emphasizes an integrated approach, many of these resources are designed to give easy access to cross-curricular activities. Such an activity combined astronomy, drama, music, arts and crafts. For this reason, and the fact that Grade 9 is now seen as an exit point for students, the target group is now teachers and students from Grade 6 - Grade 9. These students are typically aged from 10 - 15 years old, although it is possible to have much older students in these classes.