Meaning of Solar System and Natural Bodies (Primary 6)

• Class: Primary 6
• Term: 1st Term
• Week: 1
• Age: 11 years
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Subject: Basic Science And Technology
• Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
• Previous Lesson:
• Topic: Solar System: Meaning, Natural Bodies
• Content: Meaning of Solar System, Natural Bodies

Performance Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Cognitive Domain: Define the solar system and list the natural bodies in the solar system.
• Affective Domain: Express curiosity about the natural bodies within the solar system.
• Psychomotor Domain: Illustrate the arrangement of the planets in the solar system.
• Social Domain: Collaborate with peers to discuss the significance of the solar system.

Reference Materials:

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
• Online Information from Britannica – Solar system | Definition, Planets, Diagram, Videos, & Facts
• Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials:

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A model or chart of the solar system
• A projector or computer with internet access
• Flashcards with images of the sun, planets, and other celestial bodies
• A whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding the solar system is crucial because it provides the foundation for learning about space and the universe. It helps pupils understand our planet’s place in the universe and the significance of other celestial bodies. This knowledge fosters a sense of curiosity and wonder about space and encourages scientific thinking.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils are already familiar with the concept of the Earth as a planet and have seen images of the sun and moon. They understand that these bodies are part of the larger universe.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

Learning Area: Solar System: Meaning of Solar System

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Lesson Content

Solar System

The Solar System is a group of celestial bodies, made up of the Sun, eight planets, and other natural bodies that orbit around the Sun. The Sun is at the center and gives light and heat to all the planets.

Natural Bodies in the Solar System

The Sun

The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It’s a huge ball of glowing gas that provides the light and warmth necessary for life on Earth.

Planets

Planets are large celestial bodies that orbit a star, like the Sun, and are spherical in shape due to their gravity. There are eight main planets in our Solar System, each with unique features. They are:

1. Mercury – The Swift Planet
   • Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.
   • It is known for its rapid orbit around the Sun (88 Earth days) and for having very hot days and very cold nights.
   • Moons: Mercury has no Moons.
2. Venus – Earth’s Twin
   • Venus is the second planet from the Sun and similar in size to Earth.
   • It is known for its thick, cloudy atmosphere that traps heat, making it the hottest planet.
   • Venus is often called the “Evening Star” or “Morning Star” because it’s very bright in the sky.
   • Moons: Venus has no Moons.
3. Earth – The Blue Planet
   • Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only planet known to have life.
   • It is known for its water, land, and atmosphere that supports living things.
   • Moons: Earth has only 1 moon (Simply called “The Moon”).
4. Mars – The Red Planet
   • Mars is the fourth planet, often called the “Red Planet” because of its reddish soil.
   • It is known for its large volcanoes and evidence that water once flowed there.
   • Moons: Mars has 2 moon named “Phobos and Deimos”.
5. Jupiter – The Gas Giant
   • Jupiter is the fifth planet and the largest in the Solar System.
   • It is known for its Great Red Spot, a giant storm, and many moons.
   • Moons: Jupiter has 95 moons (including Ganymede, the largest moon in the Solar System).
6. Saturn – The Ringed Planet
   • Saturn is the sixth planet known for its bright, beautiful rings made of ice and rock.
   • It is the planet with most number of moons.
   • It has a large moon called Titan, which is larger than Mercury.
   • Moons: Saturn has a total of 146 moons.
7. Uranus – The Ice Giant
   • Uranus is the seventh planet, known for its blue-green color and unique tilt, making it rotate on its side.
   • It has faint rings and is very cold.
   • Moons: Uranus has a total of 27 moons.
8. Neptune – The Windy Planet
   • Neptune is the eighth planet and farthest from the Sun.
   • It is known for its deep blue color, strong winds, and storms.
   • Moons: Neptune has 14 moons (including Triton, which has icy geysers).

Other Celestial Bodies

Dwarf Planets

Dwarf planets are small objects that orbit the Sun but are not big enough to be called full planets. They also don’t clear their orbits of other debris. Examples are:

1. Pluto: Once the ninth planet, now classified as a dwarf planet. It is Known for its icy surface and large moon, Charon.
   • Moons: Pluto has 5 moons.
2. Eris, Haumea, and Makemake: Other dwarf planets in the Solar System, each with their unique characteristics.

Moons

Many planets have moons that orbit them. Earth’s Moon is the most well-known, but other planets like Jupiter and Saturn have many moons.

Stars

Stars are large, glowing balls of gas like the Sun. We can see many stars in the night sky

Asteroids

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that mostly orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.

Comets

Comets are icy objects that develop bright tails when they get close to the Sun.

These natural bodies, from the Sun to the distant planets and dwarf planets, make up our Solar System, which is full of wonders and mysteries waiting to be explored.

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Define the solar system.
2. Name three natural bodies found in our solar system.
3. Describe the position of the planets relative to the sun.
4. Illustrate the arrangement of the planets in the solar system.