Topic 2: The Planets
2.1 The origin of the planets
Nature of science:
Scientific ideas: Many theories have been developed to try to explain where the Earth came from but those which are based more on scientific understanding have a greater credibility.
Understandings:
Theories of the origin of the planets including reference to inferior and superior planets
Solar nebula model
Condensation and coagulation
Significance of the Sun’s T-Tauri phase for the composition of the planets
Origin of the asteroids based on the gravitational influence of Jupiter
Oort Cloud
Origin of the Moon
Planetary differentiation
Forms of heating within a planet
Creation of the Earth’s magnetic field
Terrestrial planets (ignoring Mercury) and gas giants
Details of magnetic field configuration – type and possible origin
Applications and skills:
Identifying the main phases of planetary formation
Explaining the different models for the origin of the planets
Describing homogeneous and heterogeneous accretion and their dependence on the planet’s growth rate compared with the nebulas cooling rate
2.2 Life on Earth
Nature of science:
Public understanding: There is a great deal of conflicting information on climate change available and the public doesn’t always understand the science involved and scientists had a key role in ensuring this information is shared in a way which can be easily accessible.
Understandings:
Original atmosphere of terrestrial planets
Development of atmospheres of Venus, Earth and Mars
Solar radiation and planetary weather
Greenhouse effect and CFCs
Upper and lower temperatures for life
Effect of asteroids and asteroid impact on the production of life on Earth
Evidence of impactors
Applications and skills:
Knowing that the T-Tauri phase removed the original planet’s atmosphere
Understanding how the effects of global warming could compromise life on Earth
Analysing data related to the greenhouse effect
2.3 The search for extra-terrestrial life
Nature of science:
Economic: Is there a justification for spending vast amounts of money on looking for extra-terrestrial life when funds could be used instead to develop projects that are likely to have a more immediate, positive, impact on life on Earth?
Understandings:
Fermi paradox
The search for extra-terrestrial life
The Drake equation for the probability of life
Applications and skills:
Calculations involving the Drake equation
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