2. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson you should…
Be able to recall and recognise the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and planets
Be able to recall the relative nature and sizes of planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies and black holes
Be able to state the components of the known Universe
Be able to explain the term ‘light year’
What is a light year?
The distance light will travel in one year
Calculate how far this is in metres!
x 60 x 60 x 24 x
x 1015 m

3. By the end of this lesson you should…
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson you should…
Be able to recall and recognise the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and planets
Be able to recall the relative nature and sizes of planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies and black holes
Be able to state the components of the known Universe
Be able to explain the term ‘light year’
We are one of millions of solar systems within our galaxy
Our galaxy is called The Milky Way
It is believed our galaxy is light years across
The nearest galaxy to us is Andromeda
Andromeda is light years away
There are believed to be billions of galaxies within the Universe

5. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson you should…
Be able to recall and recognise the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and planets
Be able to recall the relative nature and sizes of planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies and black holes
Be able to state the components of the known Universe
Be able to explain the term ‘light year’
Sun
Use the data in the table above to design a scale model of our solar system to fit into the classroom
Extension – Alpha Centurai is the nearest star to us (after the Sun) at a distance of 4 light years. Where would it be on your scale?

6. The Solar System… a quick quiz
What planet are we on?
Which planet(s) are between us and the sun?
Which is the smallest planet?
Which is the largest planet?
Which planets have moons?
Which planets have rings?
Where is the asteroid belt?
What is the nearest star to Earth?
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson you should…
Be able to recall and recognise the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and planets
Be able to recall the relative nature and sizes of planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies and black holes
Be able to state the components of the known Universe
Be able to explain the term ‘light year’