Download Study Guide for Chapter 1-Our Solar System Standards: S4E1

Study Guide for Chapter 1-Our Solar System
Standards: S4E1 Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets
S4E1b- Compare the similarities and differences of planets to the stars in appearance, position , and number in
the sky.
S4E1c- Explain why a planet can be seen in different locations at different times.
S4E1d Identify how technology is used to observe distant objects in the sky
S4E1d-Demonstrate the relative size and order from the sun of the planet in the solar system
Lesson 1 (pages 14-21)
Essential Questions you need to be able to explain
 How is technology used to observe distant objects in the sky?
 What are the main differences in optical, radio, and Hubble Space telescopes?
Vocabulary
Magnify-to make an object appear larger
Sun-the nearest star to Earth
Telescope-a tool that makes distant objects appear larger, brighter, and sharper
Facts that you need to know:
There are three types of telescopes: optical, radio, and the Hubble Space telescope. You need to know
the differences in how each looks and how each works.
Lesson 2(pages 22-29)
Essential Questions you need to be able to explain
 How can you demonstrate the relative size and order from the sun of the planets
in the solar system?
 Why is it that we can see certain planets, but not all planets?
 Why do planets take different amounts of time to orbit the sun?
 What is the difference between planets and moons?
Vocabulary
Inner planets-the four planets closest to the sun- Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
Moon-a small, rounded body that orbits around a planet
Orbit-to move in a path around an object
Outer planets-the four planets farthest from the Sun-Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
Planet-a large body in space that moves around a star
Solar system-the sun, planets, moons, and other objects that orbit the sun.
Sun- the nearest star to Earth
Facts that you need to know:
 You need to know the difference between the sun, a planet, and a moon.
 You need to know how each of the above objects move differently from
each other.
 You need to be able to name the inner and outer planets and give
characteristics of each
Lesson 3(pages 30-37)
Essential Questions you need to be able to explain
 How do scientists use space probes to explore outer space?
 What are the similarities and differences among the inner planets?
Vocabulary
Space probe-a craft that helps scientists explore outer space
Facts that you need to know:

You need to know how a space probe is different from a space shuttle that carries people.

You need to know characteristics of each inner planet. Focus on comparing each planet to Earth
as you learn about each one.
Lesson 4(pages 38-48)
Essential Questions you need to be able to explain
 What are the similarities and differences among the outer planets?
 How are the inner planets and outer planets similar and different?
 Analyze a model of the solar system. What does it show about the solar system,
and what does it not show accurately?
Vocabulary
Gas giant-a very large planet made up mostly of gases
Facts that you need to know:

You need to know characteristics of each outer planet. Focus on comparing each planet to Earth
as you learn about each one.

You need to be able to explain why Pluto is no longer considered a planet, and how it is
different from the outer planets.
Chapter review and CRCT prep practice: pages 50-51