THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING CLOUD
Have you ever wondered how our solar system formed? Why does Earth orbits around the sun?
Many scientists have also wondered the same questions. The Nebular theory suggests that a giant
cloud of gas and dust collapsed and condensed to form the sun, planets, and other celestial
bodies. In this investigation, you will analyze the Nebular theory in order to explain the
formation of our solar system.
Objective
When you have completed the investigation, you should be able to
1. analyze the Nebular Theory in order to explain the formation of our solar system.
Materials
resources
pencil
white paper
color pencils
Procedure
You and your friends decide to race marbles in a giant funnel. All
of your marbles are the same size but have different weights. You release the marbles at the
same time and with the same force. Answer the following questions;
1. Predict the results of the race.
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2. List factors that might determine the winner?
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3. Define the term, “Theory”.
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4. Read Resource Sheet 1, “Formation of the Solar System: The Nebular Theory.”
5. Reread and highlight the important steps in the formation of our solar system.
6. Construct a storyboard on a separate sheet of paper to illustrate and explain the formation of
our solar system. Your storyboard must include the following items:
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at least four frames
an illustration
an explanation, in your own words, for each stage of formation
information from the reading in your story board
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Analysis
1. Review the data for the two planets in Chart 1, “Planet Composition.”
CHART 1
PLANET COMPOSITION
PLANET
COMPOSITION
Mercury
very dense iron core and thin silicate mantle
and crust
Jupiter
less dense-about 90% hydrogen gas and 10%
helium gas with traces of methane, water,
ammonia and "rock.”
2. Explain how Jupiter’s composition provides evidence that it formed farther away from the
sun than Mercury. Use information from Chart 1 and the reading to support your answer.
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