Welcome to Physical Science Grade 11/12 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on the topic Models of the Universe (Greek Astronomy to Kepler)!
Our hands are the most represented parts of the human body. It is often used to depict skill, action, and purpose. With our hands, we create, accomplish and learn. Hence, you are capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be able to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
This module was created to give you an overview of the development of the models of the universe from ancient Greeks to the laws formulated by Johannes Kepler.
The module will focus on the concepts of astronomy known to the Greeks and the laws of planetary motion.
The learners are expected to:
(a) explain how the Greeks know that the Earth is spherical;
(b) cite examples of astronomical phenomena known to astronomers before the advent of telescopes;
(c) explain how Brahe’s innovations and an extensive collection of data in observational astronomy paved the way for Kepler’s discovery of his laws of planetary motion.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. discuss how Greeks knew that the Earth is round;
2. describe how Eratosthenes came up with the measurement of Earth’s circumference;
3. cite examples of known astronomical phenomena before the advent of telescopes;
4. distinguish between the Ptolemaic, Copernican, Tychonic, and Keplerian models of the Solar system;
5. discuss how Brahe’s works became instrumental in the formulation of Kepler’s discovery laws of planetary motion.