Essential Questions:
1) How did our solar system form?
2) How did Earth take shape?
We reviewed our thresholds of Big History and the idea of increasing complexity. First, we have the Big Bang. Second is the formation of stars. Third is a new chemical abundance. And now, here is our fourth Threshold of Big History: the creation of planets. We talked about the formation of our universe and watched the Unit 4 Main Lecture: How was Earth formed? (Video: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). We then talked about our early Earth, and watched the Main Lecture: What was the young Earth like? (Video: Part 1, Part 2). Also, here is an animation of the creation of the early Earth and its atmosphere.
We have seminar tomorrow. There are SIX texts. Prepare for the following questions:
- How did the solar system and Earth form? Our solar system contains 8 planets in stable, near circular orbits around the sun, one of which supports life. To what extent are the physical characteristics of the Sun the most important factor in creating these circumstances?
- How is our current understanding of the history of Earth and the solar system shaped by evidence, logic, intuition and authority?
- To what extent is our solar system unique?
Already for HW, you have read/seen the following texts.
- Stokes Brown, Big History, p. 1-15
- Christian, Maps of Time, p. 54-75
- Taylor, "The Solar System: An Environment For Life?", Science, 2005
- Kerr, "Alien Planetary System Looks a Lot like Ours," 2008
- HR Diagram
In addition, there is one more text. It is a story from NPR.
Also for HW:
- Little Big History narrowing topic graphic organizer due at the end of class Thursday.
- Bring this signed permission slip for our trip to the American Museum of Natural History by Monday. The trip will be on Wednesday, July 24th - we will meet at the museum at 11 AM. If you are pressed for time because of the late start, the private tour would, I think, last at the latest until 12:30PM. Official dismissal is at 2, but you could leave earlier if you speak to Ms. Skafish and Mr. Lao about your situation. The museum closes at 5:45 and you can certainly stay until then as well.
Lastly, here are Little Big History documents: