Earth formation

Earth > Earth materials and structure > Earth formation

Earth was created approximately 4.5 billion years ago, when a cloud of dust and gas started collapsing under its own gravity, began to rotate and formed our Sun. The remaining material began to form bulges of particles bound together by the force of gravity. Solar wind carried away lighter elements, like hydrogen and helium, from the regions near the Sun forming terrestrial planets, like Earth, made of heavy, rocky materials.

Connection to Big Idea about forces: The formation of the Earth is largely depended on the act of the gravitational force. The remaining three fundament interactions have also played a role as Earth’s composition the in made of different elements which were formed through nuclear fusion in stars and during supernovae.

Connection to Big Idea about the Universe: Earth’s formation is due to ejected elements which formed a giant cloud. 4.5 billion years ago the cloud collapsed under its own gravity forming our solar system.

Connection to Big Idea about particles:  Earth is made up of the same matter as the rest of our solar system.

Subjects related: Environmental Sciences

Age ranges: 17-18