2. Learning Objectives:
• State the different hypothesis explaining the origin of
the universe
• Describe the different hypothesis explaining the
origin of the solar system
• Recognize the uniqueness of Earth, being the only
planet in the solar system with properties necessary to
support life.
3. Explain how the Earth is divided into four subsystems
with matter and energy flowing between them.
• Show the contributions of personalities/people to the
understanding of the earth systems by explaining current
advancements/information on the solar system.
• Recognize the Earth's layers (crust, mantle, core) and
differentiate between them.
4. What is the Universe?
● The Universe or cosmos contains
all galaxies, stars, and planets
● Our solar system is located in the
Milky Way galaxy, which is one of
many galaxies in the Universe.
5. There have been 51 galaxies identified so far, but there are an
estimated 100 to 200 billion galaxies in total.
• According to astronomers, the observable universe contains
at least one hundred billion galaxies. They counted the
galaxies in a certain region and multiplied that by a factor of
ten to get an estimate of the total number of galaxies in the
universe.
• Although optical telescopes have been used for astronomical
observation since Galileo's time, technology has advanced
greatly since then.
• Cosmology is the branch of science that explores the
universe's origin, evolution, and end.
7. Our solar system consists
of an average star we call
What is the Solar System?
the Sun and the planets
It includes: the satellites of
the planets; numerous comets,
asteroids, and meteoroids; and
the interplanetary medium.
9. Earth, sometimes known as the world, is the third
planet from the Sun and the only known object in the
Universe to support life. It is the largest of the four
terrestrial planets and the densest planet in the Solar
System.
10. What is Unique about the Earth? Earth has the following:
• The existence of water at the Earth’s surface – neither too much nor
too little – that is in liquid form.
• Proximity to the sun – neither too much heat nor too little.
• System of plate tectonics that enables the carbon – silicate cycle
regulating temperature.
• The right size – large enough to hang on to its atmosphere, but not so
large to hold on too much. Its protection by “big brother Jupiter,”
whose gravity helps diverts and vacuum up incoming debris and keeps
Earth safe.
• The only moon and it’s stabilizing effect on our planetary rotation,
which prevents the poles from shifting unexpectedly.
11. What makes Earth capable of supporting life?
1. Water – is an excellent solvent, capable of dissolving many
substances, 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water.
2. Plate Tectonics – is vital for a world to host life – that is, a planet
whose shell is broken up into plates that constantly move around.
3. Atmosphere – contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% argon. It
blocks some of the Sun’s dangerous rays from reaching Earth. It traps
heat, making Earth a comfortable temperature. And the oxygen within
our atmosphere is essential for life.