The Origins of Earth and the Universe

Origin of the Solar System

• The Nebular Hypothesis explains the origin of the Solar System.

Study of Earth's Systems

• The study of Earth's systems is called Earth Systems Science.

Motions of Earth

• Gravity is the main factor that causes the motions of Earth.

Goals of the Lesson

• Understanding the origin of the Solar System is a goal of the lesson.
• Identifying the characteristics of Earth necessary to support life is a goal of the lesson.
• Describing the subsystems of Earth is a goal of the lesson.
• Understanding the origin of the universe is NOT a goal of this lesson.

Subsystems of Earth

• Atmosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere are all subsystems of Earth.
• The Sun is NOT a subsystem of Earth.

Characteristics of Earth Necessary to Support Life

• Liquid water is a characteristic of Earth necessary to support life.
• Students are expected to describe these characteristics when explaining how they support life.

Origin of the Universe

• The universe originated from a single point and expanded rapidly around 13.8 billion years ago.

Outcomes of the Lesson

• Students are expected to understand the origin of the Solar System at the end of the lesson.
• Students are expected to identify the characteristics of Earth necessary to support life at the end of the lesson.
• Describing the life cycle of stars is NOT an expected outcome of this lesson.