Unit 03: Astronomy and solar system

Theme: “It’s a Giant leap for Mankind”

Level: 3rd year classes common streams

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Unit 03: Astronomy and solar system Theme : “It’s a Giant leap for Mankind”

Worksheet Introducing the unit

Astronomy: is a natural science that is the study of celestial objects (such as moons, planets , stars, nebulae,
and galaxies), the physics, chemistry, and evolution of such objects, and phenomena that originate outside
the atmosphere of Earth.
Activity 01: put the following words next to their definitions.
Astronomy / heavenly body / observatory / satellite / solar system

Definitions Words
1. Any object existing in space, especially a planet, star, or the moon.
2. A building from which astronomers can watch celestial bodies.
3. The sun and the group of planets which move around (orbit) it.
4. The scientific study of the universe and extraterrestrial objects.
5. a device sent up into space to orbit the Erath, used for collecting information
and make weather forecasts.

Activity 02: Match the following words with appropriate pictures.

Asteroid / The Galaxy / Meteor / astronaut / astronomer

1- 2- 3-

4- 5-

Activity 03: Match words with their synonyms.

Words Synonyms
1.Heavenly body a. To circle or revolve around.

2.The Galaxy b.Celestial or extraterrestrial object.

3.To orbit c.The Milky Way

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Vocabulary Explorer p 139

Task 1 p 139:

Verbs Nouns Adjectives

The solar system

Lesson Heading : Read and Consider Level/Stream : 3rd Year Scientific

Unit 3 : Astronomy and the Solar System

Getting Closer Look text p. 143/144

Task One: Read the first and the second paragraphs then reorder the heavenly bodies according to their
appearance in the text. Complete the chart with information from the text.
If you were out in space, you would see …

a. …………… b. …………… c. ……….. d. ……….. e. …………. f. ……. g. ………….

Name of Description if any

Heavenly Body
1 Earth - A small tiny ball
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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 Task Three: Find in the text the words and phrases that match the definitions below.
1. Identify again (sb or sth) that one has seen before (§1) … ……………………… ….
2. Moving continuously and smoothly in one direction (§2) … ……………………… ….
3. Have a quick imperfect view of ( sb or sth) (§2) … ……………………… ….
4. Giving out light when heated (§4) … ……………………… ….
5. Shining with a light that gleams unsteadily (§5) … ……………………… ….
6. Send, emit (§6) … ……………………… ….
7. Moving very quickly (§6) … ……………………… ….

Task Four: read paragraph 4 and answer the questions below.

1. What is the diameter of the sun? Which is bigger the sun or the earth?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. How much does the sun weigh?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. What is the temperature of its centre?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. What makes life possible on earth?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I. Post – Listening ( set as a home assignment) Fact File

-Sun: largest star at center of solar system
Use the notes in the Fact File below to write a -Average diameter: 864,000miles ( about 109
Description of the Sun. times the size of Earth)
to make the best use of grammar points , expressions of -Rotation period at equator: about 27 days
measurements, distance, age…, link words ( as for…., -Rotation period at poles: about 36 days
concerning…, in connection with…, as far as…is / are -Surface temperature: 10, 000degrees Fahrenheit
concerned ) to write an expository o paragraph presenting -Age: about 4.6 billion years
the Sun. - Importance for Earth: source of light - heat

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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 Grammar explorer 01: The conditionals
Examples :

1- If he wants to succeed, he’ll have to study hard.( Type …. )

2- If he went to an Art School, there wouldn’t get a job afterwards.( Type ….)

3- I would continue my studies in America if I were rich. ( Type … )

4- If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam. ( Type … )

The rule :

A- Conditional type 0
- We use conditional type 0 to talk about general truths. (the condition can be true at any time)
Form :
If + present simple , present simple.

Example : - If we boil water , it evaporates

B- Conditional type 1
- We use conditional type 1 to talk about a real possibility, which can happen in the future.
Form :
If + present simple , future simple.

Example : - If we cut down trees, the earth will be a desert .

C- Conditional type 2
- We use conditional type 2 to talk about an imaginary/ unreal situation related to the present or future.( this
situation may not happen at all )
Form : If + past simple , would + stem.

Example : - If I won million dollars, I would buy a new car.

 Note : We generally say “If I were you ...” not “If I was you...”. We use “were” with all the pronouns
Example : If I were the president, I would establish factories for waste
D- Conditional type 03
- The third conditional expresses an unreal situation in the past, the time is past, and the situation is
contrary to reality. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed.

If + past perfect, would + have + verb past participle.

Form :

 Example : - If you had studied English at the university, you would have worked as a teacher.

Task 01 : Put the verbs between brackets in the correct tense :

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 A. If I ……………………… ( to be) tall enough, I ……………………… (to be ) a policeman or a firefighter.
B. If I ………………………( to have) wings , I …………………………………..(to fly).
C. you ……… ……………………… ( to succeed) if you ……… ……………………… ( to work) hard.
D. If you ……… ……………………… ( to get) your Baccalauréat, ……… ……………………… (to offer) you a
motorcycle .

E. If you ……… ……………………… (to speak) louder, your classmates ……… ………………………
( to understand) you.
F. If she ……… ……………………… ( to work) hard, she ……… ……………………… ( to fail) her Baccalauréat
examination.

G. It was your fault. You ……… ……………………… ( to have) no trouble at school if you ………
……………………… ( to do) your homework.
H. If I …………………………….you, I …………………………………… (to listen) to his advice.
I. If you ……… ……………………… ( to study) harder, you ……… ……………………… (to pass) your Baccalaureate.

Task 02: Give the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

a. If the earth (stop)……………. orbiting the sun, the northern hemisphere (keep)………………getting
hotter and hotter while the southern hemisphere (be)………………….. colder and colder.
b. If earth (cease) …………..rotating about its axis but (continue) ………………..revolving around the sun,
the length of a year (remain) …………….the same, but a day (last) ……………….as long as a year
c. What (happen) to us if a large asteroid (smash) ………………..into the Earth?
d. If the sun (stop) ………………shining , we (need) heavy coats and flashlights. We (see) the stars 24
hours a day, but we (never know) when one day …….............became the next day. And we (never)
………………….see the moon again.

Grammar explorer 02: Unless

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Examples :

1- We’ll go for a picnic by the river tomorrow if it doesn’t rain.

Unless ……………………………………………………………………

2- Can you Lend me your book if you’re not reading it.

… Unless ……………………………………………………………………

3- If you don’t study harder, you will fail.

Unless ……………………………………………………………………

Notes :
- The word unless basically means the same thing as if ... not.
- Unless and if … not both mean ‘except if’.
- Unless is used instead of if...not in conditional sentences of all types. The order of the clauses doesn't matter
with sentences using unless.

Task01: Complete the following sentences using “unless” or “if”.

1. ………………… you stop making noise, I won’t be able to carry on the lesson.

2. I’ll tell you ………………… the headmaster wants to see you.

3. I won’t finish my homework …………………… you help me.

4. You won’t understand the use of unless”…………………… you listen carefully.

5. What will you do ………………… you fail your Baccalaureate?

Task 02: Rewrite sentence (b) so that it means the same as sentence (a).

1. a) If you eat well, you will be healthier.

b) Unless………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. a) If you eat well , you won’t be sick.
b) Unless ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. a) If you don’t eat fats, you will be healthier.
b) Unless ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. a) If you don’t brush your teeth, you won’t sleep.
b) Unless ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. a) Unless we hurry we will be late for the school.
b) If ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
6. A- Asteroids are not considered planets because they are too small and numerous.
B-If……………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. A- He doesn’t know the importance of space research for humanity, so he believes it’s a waste of time.
B- If………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. A- Space researches must be encouraged in order for scientists to prevent a possible comet collision with Earth.

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 B- If…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9. A- Poor countries don’t have the necessary technological and financial means to access space.
B- If………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. A- If we give importance to science, we’ll improve our lives for better.
B- Unless ………………………………………………………………………………………
11. A- The student didn’t have enough information to give a description of the Solar system.
B- If…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. a) They will refuse your justifications unless you convince them.
b) If ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. a) If he does some serious research online, he will write interesting articles.
b) Unless …………………………………………………………………………………………………
14. a) If strict measures are not taken, the educational system will deteriorate.
b) Unless ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Task 03: Construct two conditional sentences ( Join the pairs ) using “if” and “unless”

1- Athletes will be strictly punished. Athletes consume drugs

► If …………………………………………………………………………………………………

► Unless ……………………………………………………………………………………….

2- Youth Clubs were available. Young people would join for sport and entertainment.

► If ………………………………………………………………………………………………

► Unless …………………………………………………………………………………….

3- Teenagers are taught the dangers of drugs. Adolescents will certainly fear the abuse.

► If ………………………………………………………………………………………………

► Unless ………………………………………………………………………………………….

4- You will have tooth decay. You don’t drink water with fluoride

► If ………………………………………………………………………………………………

► Unless ………………………………………………………………………………………….

5- You look the word up in the dictionary. You find it.

► If …………………………………………………………………………………………………

► Unless …………………………………………………………………………………….

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 Grammar desk 01 : Expressing similarities and differences

Task Six: A/read §4 and §6 and complete the chart below.

Comparison/contrast Sentences

Similarities

differences

Notes:
- To express similarities we use the following linking words: ………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
- To express differences we use the following linking words: ………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Task 01: Join the following pairs of sentences, using a link word from the note above, to get a meaningful
sentence. Make any necessary change.
1. It takes Uranus 84 years to complete one revolution around the sun. It takes Neptune 164.8 years to
complete one revolution around the sun.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Mercury has no moon or natural satellite. Venus has no moon or natural satellite.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are mostly composed of rock and metal. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and
Neptune are formed by mostly gaseous material.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. The time it takes Earth to rotate on its axis equals one day or 24 hours. The time it takes Mars to rotate on
its axis equals one day or 24 hours.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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Sequence 04: Reading and writing

Read the text carefully and do the activities.

I sometimes think with awe about the possible consequences for life on earth if a comet collided
with our planet. I can imagine it hurtling through the atmosphere before it makes its terrible impact on
some part of a continent. Scientists do say that a similar incident took place many thousand years ago, and
provoked the extinction of many giant animal species, including dinosaurs.

An enormous crater would form, and possibly cause a volcanic eruption which would send a
heavy layer of particles and ash high up in the sky to stop the sun rays from reaching the Earth. Our
planet would then be in the dark for many years, and consequently the temperatures would drop
considerably. A change in the climate could indeed occur, rainfalls and snowfalls would be frequent,
heavy and long lasting, and floods would result from them; the sea level would probably rise, and cause
some flat regions of the Earth to be totally immersed.

Another possible consequence of the impact would be a gigantic earthquake which would destroy
many inhabited areas and kill a huge number of people. If the impact were near an ocean, a tsunami could
develop and flood vast areas of flat land, causing many people to die or become homeless.

Facts in the past have shown that a disaster like an impact of a heavenly body on Earth could
destroy life, or at least alter living conditions dramatically. The same could be repeated if another
collision occurred. This is why scientists are thinking up space programs to find ways of preventing
another accident of this kind.

1. Are these statements true or false?

a. Centuries ago, a comet collision led to the disappearance of dinosaurs.
b. If a comet collided with our planet the climate would remain the same.
c. Scientists are exploring the space to find ways of avoiding such collisions.
2. Answer the questions according to the text.
a. What can make a terrible impact on our planet?
...................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
b. What are the consequences of a climate change?
...................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
c. Do scientists worry about the danger of heavenly bodies on Earth?
...................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
3. what or who do the underlined words refer to in the text ?
its = ..................................................... / Them = ..........................................................

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 Think , pair , share
Topic :
Make a detailed description of a heavenly body for an astronomy exhibition that would be organized in your
school/town.
More details:
A heavenly body can mean: the Moon, the sun, the different planets of the solar system, a star…
The task is to write a detailed description of one of these bodies for an exhibition at your school or town.
Example: you can talk about “The Moon” (What is it? What are its dimensions? Is there life on the moon?
What is its geology?) Etc.
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Text 01:

We know that the planets of the Solar system are different from the distant stars, other heavenly bodies and from
one another in some very important ways.

Unlike stars, which shine with their own light, the planets give off no light of their own. All we can see is the
light from the Sun that they reflect back to us as if they were huge mirrors in the sky. In addition , each one of the
eight planets travels in its own special path or orbit around the Sun held in place by the powerful force of the Sun’s
gravity. More distant planets have larger orbits and travel far more slowly. Like Uranus, Neptune which is the
farthest planet from the Sun, takes more time to make one complete revolution around the Sun compared to the
other planets. Now, suppose you were in space, what would you see between the orbits of planets Mars and
Jupiter? There would be thousands of little planets; asteroids revolving around the Sun you would also see comets
n starry-headed objects sometimes with long tails. You might as well catch a glimpse of swarms of even smaller
particles, the meteors, swilling through space.

Despite their small size compared to planets, asteroids, comets which are also known as planetoids or mirror
planets, can be dangerous for us. Many have hit Earth in the past, and more may crash into our planet in the
future.
Adapted from https//solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets

Text 02 :

On October 1957 , the Soviet Union launched the world’s first satellite , Sputnik 1. Since then, about 8.900
satellites have been launched in the Solar system.

Satellites are important to us in many ways that are often taken for granted. They provide us with radio and
cable TV. They allow us to make cellular phone calls from long distance. They also provide us with a global
positioning system (GPS) so that we can find directions. Besides, satellites orbit the Earth to relay weather
forecasts and help space research.
Satellites orbit the Earth at a distance between 160 and 2000 Kms , this depends on the type and use of the
satellite. GPS satellites for instance, are at 12.4000 miles from Earth. As for the orbiting speed, satellites must
orbit at about 7000 mph which permits them to make one revolution in 24 hours. Today, satellites may vary in
size. The heaviest and largest satellite (ISS) with a weight of 419.455 kg while the world’s smallest and lightest
satellite, named Kalamsat , weighing 64 grams. Such tiny or miniaturized cubic satellite was developed by an 18
years old Indian student to reduce the large economic cost of satellite launch and that related to its construction.

An extract from 0The Launch of Space Satellites 2001-2009.state.gov

Vocabulary related to Space and astronomy
Astronomy , ‫علم الفلك‬ Saturn ‫زحل‬
astronomer ‫عالم فلك‬ The big bang theory ‫نظرية االنفجار العظيم‬
Astronaut ‫رائد فضاء أمريكي‬ The world space station ‫محطة الفضاء الدولية‬
Cosmonaut ‫رائد فضاء روسي‬ Comet‫المذنب‬
Space-time ‫الزمكان‬ Meteor ‫ نيازك‬،‫الشهاب‬
Cosmos ‫الكون‬ Venus ‫كوكب الزهرة‬
Cosmic rays ‫األشعة الكونية‬ Mercury ‫عطارد‬
Heavenly bodies ‫أجرام سماوية‬ Jupiter ‫المشتري‬
Light year ‫سنة ضوئية‬
Leap year ‫سنة كبيسة‬
The milky way galaxy ‫مجرة درب التبان‬
The sombrero galaxy‫مجرة السومبريرو‬
The whirlpool galaxy ‫المجرة الدوامة‬
A constellation ‫مجموعة نجوم‬
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