Gravity in the Solar System
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Objective
I can model how gravity holds the solar system together.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Khan Academy · 4:56Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
The solar system formed from a nebula about 4.6 billion years ago, with gravity flattening the material into a disc and forming the Sun at the center.
- 2
The solar system consists of the sun and all the objects that orbit it, including eight planets divided by the asteroid belt: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
- 3
The four inner, or terrestrial, planets have solid, rocky surfaces, while the outer planets are gas giants made of gases and liquids, with many moons and rings.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
10 questions
What force initially caused the nebula to flatten into a disc shape, eventually leading to the formation of the solar system?
Which of the following best describes the role of gravity in maintaining the structure of the solar system?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how gravity is responsible for the arrangement of objects in our solar system, from the sun at the center to the planets in orbit.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
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