Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

The solar system

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TERM – 1ST TERM

WEEK TWO

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Geography

Topic: THE SOLAR SYSTEM

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

  1. Describe the solar system
  2. State the components of their characteristics.
  3. Analyse the benefit of the solar system to Man

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S

ACTIVITY

STEP 1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher uses  diagrams to describe and explain solar system.

Student, in small groups differentiate between heavenly bodies that brighten the sky at night and during the day.

STEP 2

EXPLANATION

Teacher discusses the benefits of the solar system to Man.

Students in pairs, state the components of the solar system and their characteristic

 

STEP 3

DEMONSTRATIO

N

Teacher show the chart of the male and female gametes to the students and identify the various parts.

Each student analyses why the solar system is the singular source of human existence and draw the diagram of the solar system on a cardboard.

STEP 4

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a summarized note on the board

 

The students

copy the note in

their books

 

NOTE

THE SOLAR SYSTEM

The solar system is a gravitational system comprising the Sun and the celestial objects that orbit around it, including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other smaller bodies. The Sun, a star, is at the center, exerting gravitational forces that keep the various components in orbit. The interactions within the solar system are influenced by the laws of celestial mechanics, defining the structure and dynamics of this cosmic arrangement.

Components of the solar system

The solar system consists of several key components:

  1. Sun: A massive, luminous ball of hot gas at the center of the solar system, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. It provides the gravitational force that holds the entire system together.
  2. Planets: These are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. There are eight recognized planets in the solar system, listed in order of their distance from the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Each planet has its own unique characteristics, such as size, composition, and atmosphere.
  3. Moons (Natural Satellites): Many planets, including Earth, have natural satellites or moons that orbit them. For example, Earth has one moon, while Jupiter has over 70 known moons.
  4. Asteroids: Small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size from small boulders to several hundred kilometers in diameter.
  5. Comets: Icy bodies that originate from the outer regions of the solar system. When they approach the Sun, the heat causes them to release gas and dust, creating a glowing coma and a tail that always points away from the Sun.
  6. Dwarf Planets: Celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and share some characteristics with planets but haven't cleared their orbits of other debris. Pluto, Eris, Haumea, Makemake, and Ceres are examples of dwarf planets.

The benefits of the solar system to Man

The solar system provides several benefits to humanity:

  1. Energy Source: The Sun is a primary source of energy, and harnessing solar power through technologies like solar panels allows us to generate clean and renewable electricity.
  2. Navigation: Celestial bodies within the solar system, particularly the Sun and stars, have been essential for navigation throughout human history. They provide reference points for direction and timekeeping.
  3. Natural Resources: Asteroids and comets in the solar system contain valuable resources such as metals and water, which could be utilized for future space exploration and resource extraction.
  4. Studying the solar system enhances our understanding of the universe, planetary formation, and the conditions necessary for life. This knowledge contributes to scientific advancements and our broader understanding of the cosmos.
  5. The solar system, with its diverse planets, moons, and other celestial bodies, sparks human curiosity and inspires scientific exploration. Space exploration missions, like those to Mars or Jupiter's moons, fuel innovation and technological development.
  6. Climate and Weather: The Sun plays a crucial role in Earth's climate and weather patterns. Understanding solar activity helps predict space weather and its potential impacts on technology and communication systems.
  7. Cultural Significance: The Sun, Moon, and planets have had cultural and symbolic significance throughout human history, influencing mythology, religion, and calendars.

EVALUATION: 1. What is the solar system.

  1. Identify 4 components of the solar system
  2. Mention 4 benefits of the solar system to Man

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively