The History of Astronomy Planets in our Solar System

6.3D: relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content. 6.11A: describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets. Lesson Objectives The following TEKS are also addressed. 6.3B: use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth’s layers. 6.3C: identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials.

How is the solar system organized? Guiding Question

What did ancient people know and think about planets just from what they could see? Journal Entry: Think/Share/Write

Ancient people could see 5 planets from Earth’s surface without the aid of a telescope. 5 Visible Planets

What do the planets look like in the night sky without a telescope? (Stars) What do the planets look like in the night sky without a telescope?

How do you think ancient people figured out the planets were not stars? Think/Pair/Share (Watching patterns of movement across the sky)

Think/Pair/Share What is the difference between the model shown and what we know today about the universe? To scaffold if needed: What did people used to think was the center of the universe? (Earth) Why do you think people thought that? (Our perspective was that everything revolved around us. (This is what we can see.) What is the difference between the model shown and what we know today about the universe?

Another example of an Earth-centered Universe model. Study the diagram at your table. What objects can you identify in this ancient model of the solar system?

Earth Moon Mercury Venus Sun Mars Jupiter Saturn A canopy of stars

The Sun is the center of our solar system. Heliocentrism Greek root words Helios – Sun Kentron - Center

Heliocentrism Development- An Overview 3rd Century BC- Aristarchus of Samos Ancient Greek Astronomer & Mathematician 16th Century- Nicolaus Copernicus Provided a predictable model Explained why it appeared as though we were the center of the universe 1546-1601- Tycho Brahe Revolutionized astronomical instruments Made series of accurate observations Heliocentrism Development- An Overview

Copernicus Model of Solar System What additional planets do we know about now that aren’t represented in the model?

How is the solar system organized? Journal Entry: Write/Share/Revise Students should answer to the best of their ability based on this lesson. Additional planets and models should be provided in future activities.