Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 2
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
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THE SOLAR SYSTEM
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: B8.3.2.1.1
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: B8.3.2.1
Indicator code: B8.3.2.1.1
Theme: SYSTEMS
Subtheme: THE SOLAR SYSTEM
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For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
The Solar System is the family of the Sun and all the objects that move around it. In Ghana, learners hear about space in news (satellites for TV, GPS on phones, weather forecasting, and communication). Understanding the planets—especially the outer planets—helps learners appreciate how scientists classify objects in space and why some places can support life while others cannot.
A. The Solar System (Quick recap) The Solar System is made up of: The Sun (a star) Planets and their moons Asteroids, comets, meteoroids Dust and gases Planets move around the Sun in paths called orbits. B. Inner vs Outer Planets Scientists often group the planets into: Inner planets (terrestrial/rocky): Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars Mostly rock and metal Smaller Closer to the Sun Outer planets (giant planets): Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune Much larger Mostly gases and/or ices (not solid ground like Earth) Farther from the Sun Many moons and rings
> Indicator focus (B8.3.2.1.1): Identify the outer planets of the Solar System. C. The Outer Planets (Names and Order) From the Sun outward, the planets are: Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter ← outer begins here Saturn Uranus Neptune
So the outer planets are: Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune
Memory tip (mnemonic): J S U N → *Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune* (also forms the word “SUN” with J at the start). D. Common Features of Outer Planets Outer planets are also called giant planets because: They are very large compared to Earth. They have thick atmospheres. They have many moons. They have ring systems (Saturn’s rings are the most visible).