Gravity and the Formation of the Solar System

If you created a model where smaller pieces of clay were picked up piece by piece forming a larger ball of clay, what part of the solar system formation process would you be demonstrating?

• supernova explosion causing dust and gas to come together

• clumps of matter growing larger due to gravitational forces

• formation of a spinning disk due to the collapse of a nebula

• movement of lighter substances further from the center of the solar system

What is gravity?

• magnetic force between two objects

• an attractive pull force of one object to another

• push force towards the center

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The two factors that affect the strength of gravity are _____________________________.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What holds our solar system together?

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Develop a model to describe the role of gravity in the motion of planets within the Solar System. Include the Sun and at least two planets in your model.

• A model showing planets moving in straight lines away from the Sun.

• A model showing planets orbiting the Sun in elliptical paths due to gravitational pull.

• A model showing planets stationary in space.

• A model showing planets moving randomly in space.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which of the following statements about gravity in the Solar System is true?

• Gravity only affects the planets.

• Gravity is stronger on smaller planets.

• Gravity keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun.

• Gravity does not affect asteroids.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the primary force that governs the motion of planets in the Solar System?

• Electromagnetic force

• Gravity

• Nuclear force

• Friction

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DOK Level 1: Recall

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Using evidence, explain how gravity has influenced the formation and evolution of the Solar System.

• Gravity had no role in the formation of the Solar System.

• Gravity caused the collapse of a molecular cloud, leading to the formation of the Sun and planets.

• Gravity only affects the motion of planets after they are formed.

• Gravity prevents the formation of planetary systems.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

How does the gravitational force between two objects change if the distance between them is doubled?

• It becomes four times stronger.

• It becomes four times weaker.

• It becomes twice as strong.

• It becomes half as strong.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following best describes how gravity affects the motion of objects in the Solar System?

• Gravity only affects objects on Earth.

• Gravity pulls objects towards the center of the Earth.

• Gravity keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.

• Gravity has no effect on the motion of objects in space.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2