| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Know that, in comparison to each other, the four planets nearest the Sun are rocky and small and the four planets furthest from the Sun are gaseous and large, and explain this difference by referring to an accretion model for Solar System formation, |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the key physical differences between the inner (rocky) and outer (gaseous) planets.
- Explain how gravity, the composition of the nebular cloud, and angular momentum lead to the formation of an accretion disc.
- Analyse how temperature gradients and the frost line produce the observed size and composition contrast between inner and outer planets.
- Apply the accretion model to predict why a planet’s position in the disc influences its final characteristics.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed handouts with the inner/outer planet comparison table
- Diagram of a rotating nebula/accretion disc (poster or slide)
- Short video clip of nebular collapse (YouTube or DVD)
- Worksheet with guided questions and exit‑ticket prompt
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the Solar System and ask students to guess why the planets look so different. Briefly recall prior knowledge of planetary size, composition, and basic gravity concepts. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to explain these differences using the accretion model.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Matching activity – students pair inner and outer planets with given characteristics on a worksheet.
- Mini‑lecture with slides (10'): Present key features of inner vs. outer planets and introduce the nebular collapse concept.
- Demonstration (10'): Show a short video and a simple spinning‑disc animation to illustrate angular momentum and disc formation.
- Guided group activity (15'): Using handouts, groups fill a comparison table and answer questions about the frost line, temperature gradient, and mass accretion.
- Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz via clickers or show of hands to confirm mastery of the learning objectives.
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Conclusion:
Recap the four main points: gravity drives collapse, rotation creates a disc, temperature gradients set material availability, and the frost line determines planet type. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one sentence that links the accretion disc to the inner‑outer planet contrast. Assign homework: read the textbook section on Solar System formation and finish the worksheet questions not covered in class.
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