Quiz on Lesson 1: The Structure of the Solar System
Lesson 2: The Inner Planets – Venus: We learned about Venus, the second planet from the Sun. It rotates more slowly than it revolves so a day on Venus is longer than a year on Earth. Venus is the only planet that rotates from east to west. The atmosphere is made up of carbon dioxide. Venus is covered by a thick layer of clouds made of acid. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system due to the greenhouse effect. The atmosphere traps solar energy increasing surface temperature. Most of the surface is covered by solidified lava.
Lesson 2: The Inner Planets – Earth and Mars: We learned about the third planet from the Sun which is Earth. Earth’s atmosphere is made up of water vapor and a mixture of gases. The atmosphere produces a greenhouse effect that increases Earth’s average surface temperature. Life is supported on Earth because of its atmosphere, large bodies of liquid water, and moderate temperature range. Earth has a solid inner core and a liquid outer core surrounded by a mantle. Earth’s crust is broken into large sliding plates made mostly of oxygen and silicon. We learned about Mars which is the fourth planet from the Sun. Mars has two small moons. Many probes have examined the surface of Mars to look for signs of water. The atmosphere contains mostly carbon dioxide. The surface appears to be red because the soil contains iron oxide. Ice caps on Mars are made up of ice and frozen carbon dioxide. The surface features include craters, lava flows, canyons, and the largest known mountain in the solar system.
Discussion Question:
What features do the inner planets share?
The inner planets are made from rocks and metals and have a solid surface. They are the planets that are closest to the Sun.