(OSS) Module Overview

Module OverviewThe Solar System

Everything in the Solar System orbits or revolves around the Sun. The planets in the solar system are attracted to the Sun. Scientists categorize objects in the Solar System by characteristics, such as: shape, appearance, what they orbit, how large they are, and how far away their orbits are from the Sun. Planets orbit stars (the Sun) while moons orbit planets. The Solar System is mostly empty space. Each planet has characteristics that help describe the planet. However, Earth is the only planet suitable for sustaining human life. The ability to support life requires critical supporting features.  

Essential Questions

  1. What is Earth's galactic address?
  2. How do I compare and contrast the planets in our solar system?
  3. What characteristics are required for a planet to support life?

Key Terms

  1. Asteroid - an irregularly shaped rock that orbits the Sun.
  2. Comet - a space object made of ice and dust that orbits a star and develops a long, bright tail as it nears its star.
  3. Core - the center of an object.
  4. Crater - a hole in the ground caused by the impact of an object from space.
  5. Dwarf planet - a nearly round object that orbits a star, is smaller than a planet, and is not a satellite of another object.
  6. Gas giant - a large planet that is mainly made up of gases.
  7. Gravity - the force that pulls all objects toward each other.
  8. Moon - a huge ball of rock that travels around a planet; a natural satellite.
  9. Orbit - to revolve around another object.
  10. Planet - a very large object that orbits a star.
  11. Satellite - a natural or human-made object that orbits Earth or another object in space.
  12. Solar system - a group of objects in space that orbit a star.
  13. Star - a body in outer space, made of hot gases, that shines in the night sky.
  14. Terrestrial - like Earth; describes planets that are rocky and Earthlike in size.
  15. Asteroid belt - the area in space between Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids orbit.
  16. Atmosphere - a layer of gases surrounding a planet, star, or moon.
  17. Gas - a substance with no fixed volume or shape that can expand freely.
  18. Helium - the second lightest chemical element; often a gas.
  19. Hydrogen - the lightest chemical element; often a gas.
  20. Mass- the measure of the amount of matter in an object.
  21. Methane - a colorless, odorless, flammable gas commonly called "natural gas".
  22. Oxygen - a gas that has no color, taste, or smell, and which people need to live.

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