Unit 4: Solar System

Students will know how to:
-Describe the structure of the Solar System, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets
-Compare and contrast terrestrial and gas giant planets in terms of size, composition, and atmosphere
-Explain the processes involved in the formation and evolution of the Solar System
-Apply both Kepler's and Newton’s laws to explain the motion of planets, moons, and other bodies in the Solar System
-Interpret observational data to explain features of the Sun and planets
-Describe human exploration of the Solar System and how it has advanced scientific understanding
-Analyze patterns in planetary motion and gravitational interactions

Core Topics:
-Structure of the Solar System (Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets)
-Planetary characteristics and comparisons (terrestrial vs. gas giants)
-Orbital mechanics and gravitational interactions
-Formation and evolution of the Solar System
-Human exploration and observational data

NGSS Performance Expectations:

HS-ESS1-1 – Use models and evidence to explain the formation of the Solar System, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
HS-ESS1-2 – Analyze data to describe the evolution of the Sun and planets over time.
HS-ESS1-4 – Simulate gravitational interactions in the solar system
HS-ESS1-6 – Kepler’s laws and orbital mechanics
HS-PS2-4 – Use Newton’s laws of motion and gravitational interactions to predict and explain orbital motion of objects in the Solar System. (covers Kepler's laws as well)

Essential Questions students will be able to answer:
-How did the Solar System form, and what evidence supports this?
-What are the similarities and differences between terrestrial planets and gas giants?
-How do gravitational interactions shape the motion of objects in the Solar System?
-How has human exploration helped us understand the Solar System’s structure and evolution?
-How can we use observational data to explain features of the Sun and planets?
-How do the formation and evolution of the Sun relate to the formation of the planets?
-What are Kepler's 3 laws of planetary motion?
-What are Newton's gravitational laws?

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
-Analyzing and Interpreting Data
-Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
-Developing and Using Models
-Constructing Explanations

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
-Patterns
-Systems and System Models
-Cause and Effect
-Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

Demonstration of Learning / Suggested Activities:

-Unit Test
-Quizzes
-Planet comparison lab (physical models or data tables)
-Orbital motion simulation / gravity modeling
-Solar System formation modeling activity
-Observational data analysis (NASA images, telescope data)
-Construct explanations linking Solar System formation to planetary characteristics