MS-ESS1-3: Solar System Scale

MS-ESS1-3
Solar System Scale

Middle School

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Learning Objectives

• Compare the properties of the Earth and Moon, such as their size and surface.

• Explain how gravity and atmosphere create the conditions on Earth and the Moon.

• Describe how technology like telescopes and probes helps us study the solar system.

• Use data to identify the characteristics of planets, moons, and asteroids.

Key Vocabulary

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Atmosphere

The layer of gases that surrounds a planet, held in place by the planet's gravity.

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Gravity

The universal force of attraction acting between all matter that has mass or energy.

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Orbit

The curved path that a celestial object or spacecraft takes around another object in space.

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Natural Satellite

A celestial body, like the Moon, that orbits a planet or a smaller celestial body.

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Scale Properties

Measurable features of celestial objects, such as their size, mass, density, and distance from Earth.

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Orbital Radius

The average distance of an orbiting object from the center of the object it revolves around.

Key Vocabulary

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Crater

A large, bowl-shaped dent on a planet or moon's surface, created by the impact of a meteorite.

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Axis

An imaginary line passing through a planet's center that the planet spins around during its daily rotation.

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Revolution

Revolution is the complete journey one celestial object makes when it orbits around another larger object in space.

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Asteroid

An asteroid is a small, rocky object that orbits the Sun, usually found in the asteroid belt.

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Comet

A comet is a celestial object made of ice, dust, and rock that orbits the Sun, forming a tail.

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Earth vs. Moon: Size, Mass, and Gravity

• Earth is large, with a diameter of about 12,742 kilometers.

• Its large mass creates strong gravity (1 G), which holds our atmosphere.

• The Moon is much smaller, with a diameter of only 3,474 kilometers.

• Its lower mass results in a weak gravity, only 1/6th that of Earth.

Multiple Choice

Which physical property is the primary factor in determining the strength of a celestial body's gravitational pull?

• Its diameter

• Its mass

• Its ability to hold an atmosphere

• Its distance from other planets

Multiple Choice

What is the main reason Earth has an atmosphere while the Moon does not?

• Earth is much larger in size than the Moon.

• The Moon is too far from Earth to have an atmosphere.

• Earth's stronger gravity can hold an atmosphere, while the Moon's is too weak.

• The presence of life on Earth creates the atmosphere.

Multiple Choice

If a new planet with twice the mass of Earth were discovered, what could be predicted about its gravitational pull?

• Its gravitational pull would be weaker than Earth's.

• Its gravitational pull would be stronger than Earth's.

• Its gravitational pull would be the same as the Moon's.

• It would be unable to hold an atmosphere.

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Atmosphere and Surface Conditions

Earth

• Earth is protected by a thick, multi-layered atmosphere that regulates its temperature.

• Its dynamic surface features liquid water and varied landforms like mountains and valleys.

• This active surface is constantly being reshaped by the natural forces of wind and water.

The Moon

• The Moon has almost no atmosphere, which results in a near-perfect vacuum.

• Temperatures fluctuate wildly from extreme heat during the day to freezing cold at night.

• Its surface is covered in dust and countless craters from past asteroid impacts.

Multiple Choice

Which statement accurately describes the primary difference in the atmospheres of Earth and the Moon?

• Earth has a thick atmosphere, while the Moon has almost no atmosphere.

• Earth's surface is covered in craters, while the Moon's is not.

• Earth has one moon, while the Moon has no moons.

• Earth's temperature is constant, while the Moon's temperature fluctuates.

Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between a celestial body's atmosphere and its temperature, based on the descriptions of Earth and the Moon?

• Earth's atmosphere regulates its temperature, while the Moon's lack of an atmosphere causes extreme temperature changes.

• The Moon's dust-covered surface absorbs more heat than Earth's water-covered surface.

• Earth is closer to the Sun, which results in more stable temperatures.

• The Moon's rotation is slower than Earth's, leading to longer periods of heating and cooling.

Multiple Choice

Based on the information provided, what would be the most likely long-term consequence for Earth's surface if its atmosphere were to disappear?

• The surface would be primarily shaped by asteroid impacts rather than by wind and water.

• The temperature would become stable and moderate across the entire surface.

• The amount of liquid water would increase due to the lack of atmospheric pressure.

• Dynamic landforms like mountains and valleys would be created more rapidly.

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Movement, Life, and Water

Planet Earth

• Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, which is what creates day and night.

• It completes one revolution around the Sun in approximately 365 days, which we call a year.

• Its atmosphere, liquid water, and stable temperatures allow for a wide variety of life to exist.

The Moon

• The Moon rotates on its axis and revolves around Earth in about 27 Earth days.

• Because its rotation and revolution take the same amount of time, we always see the same side.

• The Moon cannot support life because it lacks an atmosphere and does not have liquid water.

Multiple Choice

What is the direct result of Earth rotating on its axis once every 24 hours?

• The cycle of day and night.

• The completion of one year.

• The changing of the seasons.

• The orbit of the Moon.

Multiple Choice

What explains why observers on Earth always see the same side of the Moon?

• Its rotation period is the same as its revolution period.

• It revolves around the Sun faster than Earth does.

• It does not have a tilted axis.

• Its atmosphere is much thinner than Earth's.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best explains why life can exist on Earth but not on the Moon, based on the information provided?

• Earth revolves around the Sun, while the Moon revolves around Earth.

• Earth has an atmosphere and liquid water, which are absent on the Moon.

• Earth completes a rotation in 24 hours, while the Moon takes 27 days.

• Earth has stable temperatures, while the Moon is always cold.

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Understanding Scale in the Solar System

What is Scale?

• The solar system is too vast to be observed all at once.

• We use models, diagrams, and graphs to understand its immense scale.

• Scale properties include measurable features like diameter, composition, and surface details.

Earth vs. The Moon

• Objects can look similar at one scale but different at another.

• Earth and the Moon both have craters, but have different diameters.

• Earth’s atmosphere makes it habitable, while the Moon’s lack thereof does not.

Multiple Choice

Why are models and diagrams essential tools for studying the solar system?

• Because the solar system is too vast to be observed all at once.

• Because models are more colorful than looking through a telescope.

• Because all planets and moons have the same composition.

• Because diagrams can change the actual size of planets.

Multiple Choice

How does comparing Earth and the Moon at a detailed scale reveal their differences?

• They are identical in every way except for their names.

• They both have the exact same number of craters.

• They have different diameters and atmospheres, affecting their habitability.

• They are both considered habitable for human life.

Multiple Choice

An astronomer observes two distant celestial bodies that look like identical small dots. Based on the principles of scale, what is the most logical conclusion?

• They must be identical in size and composition.

• One must be a planet and the other must be a moon.

• They are definitely both habitable.

• They might have very different properties, like diameter and composition, that are not visible from afar.

How Technology Helps Us Explore Space

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Earth-Based Telescopes

• ​They observe the vast night sky directly from the ground.

• ​​They help us gather important data about many celestial objects.

• ​These are essential for making discoveries from right here on Earth.

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Space-Based Telescopes

• ​These telescopes, like Hubble, orbit high above the Earth’s atmosphere.

• ​​They capture clearer, more detailed images of objects in space.

• ​This provides precise data about very distant planets and stars.

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Robotic Spacecraft

• ​Robotic probes and rovers are designed to travel into space.

• ​​They can land on planets, moons, and asteroids to explore.

• ​They collect data and analyze the structure of other worlds.

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of using technologies like telescopes and robotic spacecraft in astronomy?

• To help humans explore and understand space

• To find new sources of energy for Earth

• To prevent asteroids from hitting Earth

• To build colonies on other planets

Multiple Choice

What is a key advantage of placing a telescope in space, like Hubble, instead of on the ground?

• It can capture clearer and more detailed images

• It is much cheaper to build and operate

• It can be repaired more easily by astronauts

• It can observe the weather patterns on Earth

Multiple Choice

A team of scientists wants to analyze the soil and rocks on a distant moon to see if it could support life. Which tool would be the most effective for this specific task?

• A robotic rover that can land on the moon's surface

• An Earth-based telescope that can see the moon's color

• A space-based telescope that can take pictures of the moon

• A powerful satellite orbiting Earth

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The Broader Solar System: Asteroids and Comets

Asteroids

• ​These are large celestial bodies that are primarily made up of rock and various metals.

• ​​Most asteroids in our solar system are found in the main asteroid belt.

• ​This belt is a region of space located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Comets

• ​Comets are cosmic snowballs of frozen gases, rock, and dust that orbit the Sun.

• ​​These celestial objects are known for their highly elliptical or elongated orbits around the Sun.

• ​When a comet gets closer to the Sun, it develops a glowing tail of gas and dust.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary composition of most asteroids found in the solar system?

• Rock and various metals

• Frozen gases, rock, and dust

• Molten lava and ice

• Cosmic dust and light particles

Multiple Choice

How does the typical location of most asteroids compare to the orbit of comets?

• Most asteroids are in a belt between Mars and Jupiter, while comets have highly elongated orbits.

• Most asteroids have highly elongated orbits, while comets are in a belt between Mars and Jupiter.

• Both asteroids and comets are primarily located in a belt between Mars and Jupiter.

• Both asteroids and comets are known for having highly elongated orbits around the Sun.

Multiple Choice

Based on its composition and behavior, what is the most likely outcome for a comet as it travels from the outer solar system and gets closer to the Sun?

• It would begin to form a glowing tail made of gas and dust.

• It would likely be pulled into the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

• It would change its composition to become primarily rock and metal.

• Its orbit would become more circular as it gets warmer.

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Common Misconceptions

Misconception	Correction
The Moon produces its own light.	The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight.
The "dark side" of the Moon is always dark.	All parts of the Moon receive sunlight; it is called the "far side".
Data is just a list of facts.	Data must be analyzed and interpreted to find patterns and draw conclusions.
Earth is the center of the solar system.	Earth orbits the Sun, which is the true center of our solar system.

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Summary

• Earth and the Moon differ in scale properties like size, gravity, and atmosphere.

• We use data from technology like telescopes to compare objects in the solar system.

• The solar system contains the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

• Engineering advances are essential for making new scientific discoveries in space.

Poll

On a scale of 1-4, how confident are you with analyzing data to compare objects in the solar system?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4