Study Guide: Chapter 14 The Solar System
Make sure that you go over the notes and activities that were given in class. Often, these notes are tied closely to the material from the book but at times, I supplement what is the textbook with outside material that is found nowhere else but these notes (3rd column of notes). Consider vocabulary, key concepts, notes, textbook, worksheets, labs, projects, activities, etc.
Read the textbook! This is the best place to start when studying for the test since a majority of the material that we covered in this unit is in the textbook. Make sure that you take the time to read the text, not just the bold-faced print or looking solely at the pictures. It is all important! (text, captions, pictures, and diagrams). If you have been doing the homework as instructed, all of you should have read the textbook pages once already! This should make the process of studying an exercise in reviewing, not an overwhelming task of introducing yourself to the material for the first time.
Key Points and Study Highlights
The questions listed below will get you started in your studying for this test. Remember, the tests are comprehensive, meaning that the tests are written to check your depth of understanding, not just your ability to memorize a few definitions of vocabulary words! That said, know your vocabulary!!
Chapter 14, section 1 – Observing the Solar System
- What contribution did each astronomer make to our current understanding of the solar system model? (especially consider everyone on your astronomer notes page)
- What was the purpose for studying the night sky for ancient cultures?
- How do the heliocentric and geocentric models of the solar system differ?
Chapter 14, section 2 – The Sun
- How does the sun produce its energy?
- What are the main two elements our sun is composed of?
- What are the layers that compose the sun? (know the vocabulary)
- What are some of the features associated with the surface of the sun? How might they affect Earth?
Chapter 14, sections 3 and 4 – The Inner Planets and the Outer Planets
These two sections can best be digested if the main characteristics about the planets are grouped into these four categories.
- History/Discovery/Exploration
- How were each of these planets discovered and explored? (You don’t have to name the missions to investigate them, but should know general information.)
- Is there anything unique or significant about each of these planets?
- Which Roman/Greek god were each of the planets named for?
- Geology/Surface Features
- What is the geology of each planet?
- Are there any significant features on the surface of those planets that have a solid surface?
- Atmosphere/Meteorology
- What is the composition of the atmosphere of each planet that has an atmosphere?
- Are there any unique features of the atmosphere?
- Does the planet have seasons?
- Astronomical Data
- How are each of the planets categorized?
- Inner/Outer
- Terrestrial/Gas
- Inferior/Superior
- Visible/Invisible
- What is the order of the planets starting from the sun?
- What are the largest and smallest planets?
- How does the Earth compare to the other planets?
- How many satellites (moons) does each planet have?
- What is the significance of the orbital and rotational period of each planet (anything special about it?)?
Chapter 14, section 5 – Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors
- What are comets and what causes the tail of a comet to appear?
- What are asteroids and how do they fit into the overall concept of the solar system?
- What is the difference between a meteor, a meteoroid, and a meteorite?
Chapter 14, section 6 – Is There Life Beyond Earth?
- What conditions do living things need to exist on Earth?
- What other places in the solar system are good places to begin looking for signs of life?
- Why are these good places to begin looking for signs of life?