Transcript The Solar System

The Solar System
Michelle Blevins
TEKS §112.14 Science Grade 3
(b) Knowledge and Skills
(8) Earth and Space. The student knows there are
recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects
in the sky. The student is expected to :
(B) describe and illustrate the Sun as a star composed of
gasses that provides light and heat energy for the water
cycle.
(C) construct models that demonstrate the relationship of
the Sun, Earth, and Moon, including oribts and positions;
and
(D) identify the planets in Earth’s solar system and their
position in relation to the Sun.
Learning Objectives
 Understand
the Sun’s composition
and classification as a star.
Be able to identify the 8 planets of
our solar system.
Be able to demonstrate the orbits
and relative positions of each planet
around the sun.
 Be familiar with the orbit of the
Moon around Earth.
The 8 Planets of Our Solar System
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
As you may know, Pluto is no longer
considered a planet, but a dwarf
planet, a distinct new classification of
celestial bodies orbiting the sun. Pluto’s
classification was changed to Dwarf
Planet because it shares its orbital space
with other bodies.
The Sun
The Sun is a yellow star around which all the
planets in our solar system orbit. Our Sun is not
unique. It is one of billions of stars with orbiting
planets throughout the universe. It is composed
mostly of hydrogen gas and helium. The Sun
provides heat and light for Earth and the other
planets in our Solar System.
Did you know?
The sun is the most massive object in our solar
system.
Also, its light takes a little over 8 minutes to
reach our planet!
Our Solar System’s Orbit
All the planets orbit around the Sun. They move at different
speeds, but all in the same direction. Mercury, the closest planet,
completes its orbit in just 87 days. Earth’s orbit takes 365 days. The
dwarf planet Pluto takes 248 years to finish an orbit!
The Moon
The Moon orbits the
Earth in the same way
the planets orbit the
Sun. The moon is
responsible for
regulating the ocean’s
tides and helps play a
role in the seasons.
Did You Know?
In 1969 astronauts took
their first steps on the
moon.
Hands On Fun
Visit www.kidsastronomy.com/fun/orbitsV3.swf,
and create our solar system yourself.
Explore the planets at www.kidsastronomy.com,
then create a postcard or brochure convincing your
friends to visit the planet that you find most
interesting
What did the moon look like the day you were
born? Find out at
www.tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html
Perform “Estimate the Distance Between the
Earth and Moon” activity in a small group.
References
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter112/ch112a.html
http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html
http://kidsastromony.com/solar_system.htm