Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
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THE SOLAR SYSTEM
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Grade code: B7.3.2.1.1
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: B7.3.2.1
Indicator code: B7.3.2.1.1
Theme: SYSTEMS
Subtheme: THE SOLAR SYSTEM
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The Solar System is our “space neighbourhood.” Understanding it helps Ghanaian learners explain everyday observations such as day and night, the seasons, and why we see the Sun and Moon at different times. It also connects to modern life in Ghana through satellite TV, GPS on phones, weather forecasting, and space science careers (e.g., Ghana’s use of satellites for agriculture, security, and communication). Indicator focus (B7.3.2.1.1): Learners identify the inner planets of the Solar System and describe key features of their movement (including elliptical orbits) and related space terms (galaxy/Milky Way), using pictures/videos and simple models.
A. What is the Solar System? The Solar System is made up of: The Sun (a star at the centre) Planets that orbit the Sun Moons that orbit planets Other objects: asteroids, comets, meteoroids, dust and gas
Important idea: The Sun’s gravity holds the Solar System together and keeps planets in orbit.
B. Inner Planets (Terrestrial Planets) Definition: The inner planets are the four planets closest to the Sun, located inside the asteroid belt. The inner planets in order from the Sun Mercury Venus Earth Mars Why they are called “inner” They are nearer to the Sun than the other planets. They are found before the asteroid belt (the asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter). Common characteristics of inner planets Inner planets are also called terrestrial (rocky) planets because they have solid surfaces. Rocky/solid surface (you could “stand” on them in theory) Smaller than outer planets (outer planets are gas/ice giants) Higher density (more rock and metal) Few or no moons Mercury: 0 Venus: 0 Earth: 1 Mars: 2 No rings Warmer than outer planets because they are closer to the Sun (though Venus is hottest due to thick atmosphere) Short descriptions (useful for class discussion) Mercury: Closest to Sun; very hot in the day and very cold at night; no moons. Venus: Similar size to Earth; hottest planet due to thick carbon dioxide atmosphere; no moons. Earth: Has liquid water, air (oxygen), and life; one moon. Mars: “Red planet” due to iron oxide (rust); cold; has two small moons.