ASTM
101WW -
Unit II
The Solar System, Its Origin and Terrestrial Planets
Objectives | Glossary
| Homework | Review
| Quiz | Home
Purpose:
In this unit you will explore
the processes that astronomers use in developing theories. In the case of the
origin of the solar system, since no one was around 4.6 billion years ago when
the solar system formed, astronomers have to play "detective". Like a detective
who must recreate a crime from the available evidence, so too, an astronomer must
develop a theory of the origin of the solar system from evidence available today.
In addition to exploring how the solar system formed, you will also learn how
astronomers determine the age of the solar system.
After developing an understanding
of the origin of the solar system, you will explore in detail the evolution
of the terrestrial planets. You will be most involved in exploring the evolution
of their atmospheres and their tectonic past and present. Enjoy!!!
Objectives:
- Be able to describe the
different types of "solar systems" and
efforts to locate other planetary systems. Be able to list the different members
of our solar system
- Be able to list the planets
in order from the Sun
- Be able to describe two
approaches to developing a theory of the origin of our solar system.
- Be able to describe the
basic properties of the solar system.
- Be able to describe the
describe the two types of planets.
- Be able to describe the
the terrestrial and jovian
planets.
- Be able to summarize
the solar nebular hypothesis of the
origin of the solar system.
- Be able to summarize
the theory behind radiometric dating
and how it can be used to detemine the age of the solar system.
- Be able to summarize
the factors that are important in the evolution
of planetary atmospheres. Be able to distinguish between primary and secondary
atmospheres.
- Venus has sometimes been
referred to as the Earth's twin. Be able to write
an essay comparing and contrasting Venus and the Earth. Your purpose is
to either support or reject this claim.(30-point essay question for the Unit
2 Exam)
- Describe some of the
unique properties of the planet Mars. (30-point essay
question for the Unit 2 Exam)
- Be able to describe Mercury
in terms of its atmosphere, tectonic properties and temperature.
- Be able to summarize
the theory of plate tectonics. Be able
to state the significance of the following terms: subduction, sea-floor spreading,
divergent plate boundary, convergent plate boundary, trench, mid-ocean ridge,
San Andreas fault, convection, lithosphere and asthenosphere.
Unit Two Bulletin Board
Discussion Topic: Why
is life able to exist abundantly on the Earth and not on any of the other terrestrial
planets? How does tectonic activity on the Earth differ from that on any other
terrestrial planet?
Unit
Review: March
16, 2003 - Unit 2
homework and participation in the bulletin board/chat room discussions should
be competed by this date.
Fred
Hickok
Updated: January 27, 2003 |
CCBC Catonsville
Campus
800 South Rolling Road
Catonsville, Maryland 21228 |
|