2.3 The planets

Natural sciences

Grade 9

The earth,galaxies ans space programmes

Module 15

Planets of our solar system

The following diagram shows the inner planets of our solar system:

Statistics of

Activity: INTERPRETATION

1. How many planets revolve around the sun? ……………………………………………………

2. Which planet is closest to the sun?

3. Which planet is furthest from the sun in the diagram? ………………………………………..

1. What is the shape of the planets’ orbits?

5. Which planet is called the earth’s twin because it looks the same from space?

6. Which planet of this group has features that show the greatest resemble to those of the earth?

Activity: Draw the orbits

[LU 2.1]

The following diagram shows the outer planets of our solar system.

Statistics of the outer planets

Activity: QUESTIONS

Which planet …

1. has a red spot?

2. has rings of ice?

3. has the strongest winds?.

4. has the largest mass?

5. has the most moons?

6. is the coldest?

7. has the largest diameter?

8. has the highest temperature?

9. has a moon with an atmosphere? .

10. has a moon larger than another planet?

Assessment of QUESTIONS ON PLANETS: Did you answer the questions correctly? [ LO 2.3]

Activity: CALCULATING DISTANCES (interpretation task)

Assignment: INTERPRETATION TASK

1. Study the above values and suggested distances from the sun.

1 cm = 1 Astronomical unit

Identify the planets:

A __________________

B ____________________

C _______________

D _________________

2. Arrange the planets from the largest to the smallest.

3. What planet is 5 times further than the earth from the sun?

4. What planet is 30 times further than the earth from the sun?

5. The gravity of Mars is 0,39 that of the earth. If you weigh 100 kg on earth, you would weigh 100 x 0,39 kg, i.e. 39 kg, on Mars.

How much do you weigh on earth? ……………………………

Calculate how much you would weigh on the following planets and complete the table:

6. On which planet would you:

(a) weigh the least?

(b) weigh the most?

Assessment of INTERPRETATION TASK:

Did you do the conversions correctly? Could you categorise the information?

[LO 2.2; LO 2.4]

Activity : GROUP WORK

CONSTRUCT A SOLAR SYSTEM

• You can work in groups to construct

• a complete solar system
• only the inner planets
• only the outer planets
• individual planets

• The project must be three-dimensional, colourful and of use to the educator.
• Suggestion: Use paper maché and water paint.
• Colours must be selected according to the features of the planet.

Assessment of CONSTRUCTION PROJECT:

Did you a) plan how you would obtain information, b) collect information and c) communicate information and findings?

[LO 1.1; LO 1.2; LO 1.3; LO 3.1]

Assessment

LO 1: Scientific investigations:

The learner will be able to act confidently on curiosity about natural phenomena, and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientific, technological and environmental contexts.

This is evident when the learner:

• plans investigations;
• conducts investigations and collects data;
• evaluates data and communicates findings.

LO 2: Constructing Science Knowledge:

The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

This is evident when the learner:

• recalls meaningful information;
• categorises information;
• interprets information;

2.4 applies knowledge.

LO 3: Science, Society and the Environment

The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between science and technology, society and the environment.

This is evident when the learner:

3.1 understands science as a human endeavour.

Memorandum

The planets of our solar system

ACTIVITY: INTERPRETATION

1. 9

2. Mercury

3. Neptune

4. elliptical

5. Venus

6. Mars

ACTIVITY: QUESTIONS – Which planet….

1. Jupiter

2. Saturn

3. Neptune

4. Jupiter

5. Saturn

6. Neptune

7. Jupiter

8. Mercury

9. Saturn's Titan

10. Ganymede, of Jupiter, is the largest one in our galaxy and is bigger than Mercury

ACTIVITY: CALCULATING DISTANCES (translation)

1. A = Mars ( 1,6 x 150 milj)B= JupiterC = UranusD= Pluto

2. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Pluto

3. Jupiter

4. Neptune

5. Each according to its own mass

6a) Pluto

6b) Jupiter