Introduction
There are many requirements for life, as currently understood, to exist and persist. Characteristics of objects in our solar system such as proximity to the Sun, presence of water, atmospheric composition and a magnetic field contribute to the ability to support life. Data about the characteristics of objects in our solar system have been gathered using telescopes, satellites and unmanned probes.
Proximity to the Sun contributes to temperature ranges experienced by a celestial body. Distances that are too close or too far from that Sun create extreme temperature conditions that are considered inhospitable to life.
The presence and composition of an atmosphere contributes to the ability of life to exist. Atmospheric gases help regulate extreme temperature variations and ozone in the atmosphere shields living things from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The magnetosphere, formed by Earth’s magnetic field, protects life from the charged particles of the solar wind.
Earth is known as the water planet with about 70% of its surface covered by water. All life on Earth depends upon the presence of water. There is geological evidence that liquid water was once present on the surface of Mars. Scientists speculate that water exists, in various states of matter, on other celestial bodies in our solar system.
Task
You will answer a series of questions.
What characteristics of our solar system support the existence of life?
How have scientists gathered data about the characteristics of distant objects in our solar system?
How does the distance from the Sun affect the conditions necessary for life?
How does the presence and composition of an atmosphere affect the conditions necessary for life?
How does the presence of a magnetic field affect the conditions necessary for life?
How does the presence of water affect the conditions necessary for life?
Why is Earth considered to be “just right” for life?
What is the Goldilocks zone?
Process
Videos
https://cdn.acceleratelearning.com/CCV/twig/twig/EN_Rare_Earth_2_The_Goldilocks_Zone.mp4
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/weather-and-climate/earths-atmosphere.htm
https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/astrobiology/conditions/
Website/ PPT
Evaluation
Complete the handout.
Conclusion
Life! It's everywhere on Earth; you can find living organisms from the poles to the equator, from the bottom of the sea to several miles in the air, from freezing waters to dry valleys to undersea thermal vents to groundwater thousands of feet below the Earth's surface. Over the last 3.7 billion years or so, living organisms on the Earth have diversified and adapted to almost every environment imaginable. The diversity of life is truly amazing, but all living organisms do share certain similarities.