UPCAT General Science (Extended) — Universe, Solar System & EarthSlides
If you commute to a UPCAT review centre (or watch Super Tutor on the jeepney), these Universe, Solar System & Earth slides are designed for exactly that. Each slide holds one idea, one visual cue, and one UP-style question pattern — ready for quick bursts of review between stops.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests General Science (Extended) under a "Extended coverage for UP Science programs" label, with Universe, Solar System & Earth in the 3rd slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 General Science (Extended) questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Universe, Solar System & Earth - Slides
This comprehensive chapter explores the vast cosmos from the birth of the universe through the Big Bang Theory to the formation of our solar system and Earth. Students will understand the fundamental processes that shaped our cosmic environment, Earth's unique characteristics that support life, and the dynamic systems that continue to operate today. This knowledge forms the foundation for understanding Earth's place in the universe and the conditions that make life possible.
Slides
Universe, Solar System & Earth: An Overview
This chapter takes us on a journey from the largest scale - the entire universe - down to our home planet Earth. We'll explore how everything formed and why Earth is special.
Notes
Introduction slide providing complete overview of chapter structure and learning progression
Topic
Chapter Overview
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Universe Solar System Earth)) Universe Formation Big Bang Theory Radiation Era Matter Era Solar System Formation Process Planets Classification Habitable Zone Earth Systems Lithosphere Atmosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere Earth Processes Plate Tectonics Rock Cycle Continental Drift
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the hierarchical organization of topics from universe formation to Earth's systems and processes
The Big Bang Theory: Universe's Beginning
The Big Bang Theory is the most widely accepted explanation for how our universe began. It describes the universe starting from an extremely small, hot point that exploded and continues expanding today.
Notes
Foundation concept - students must understand Big Bang as starting point for all cosmic structures
Topic
Universe Formation
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
2
Mermaid Diagram
Code
timeline title Big Bang Timeline 13.7 billion years ago : Big Bang Explosion Immediate : Energy and forces created First seconds : Basic particles formed First minutes : Light elements formed 380000 years : First atoms formed 200 million years : First stars formed Present : Expanding universe
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Timeline showing major milestones in universe development from Big Bang to present
Radiation Era: Universe's First Phase
During the Radiation Era, the universe was so hot that matter couldn't exist in stable forms. Energy dominated everything, and the fundamental forces of nature gradually separated.
Notes
Complex concept broken into sequential epochs - emphasize temperature decrease and particle formation
Topic
Radiation Era
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
3
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Big Bang] --> B[Planck Epoch] B --> C[Grand Unification] C --> D[Inflationary Epoch] D --> E[Electroweak Epoch] E --> F[Quark Epoch] F --> G[Hadron Epoch] G --> H[Lepton Epoch] H --> I[Nuclear Epoch] I --> J[Matter Era Begins]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Sequential flow showing the progression of epochs during the Radiation Era
Matter Era: When Atoms Formed
The Matter Era began when the universe cooled sufficiently for electrons to bind with nuclei, forming the first stable atoms. This allowed gravity to begin collecting matter into larger structures.
Notes
Key transition point - matter becomes dominant and structures begin forming
Topic
Matter Era
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Atomic Atomic --> Galactic : Gravity collection Galactic --> Stellar : Star formation Stellar --> Present : Continuous evolution note right of Atomic : 50000 years note right of Galactic : 200 million years note right of Stellar : 3 billion years
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing the progression through Matter Era epochs with time markers
Solar System Formation
Our solar system formed when an ancient star exploded, spreading matter that was then collected by gravity around our Sun. The distance from the Sun determined what types of planets formed.
Notes
Important timeline - solar system much younger than universe but still extremely old
Topic
Solar System Formation
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Ancient Star] --> B[Stellar Explosion] B --> C[Matter Dispersal] C --> D[Gravitational Collapse] D --> E[Planetary Disk Formation] E --> F[Inner Rocky Planets] E --> G[Outer Gas Giants] F --> H[fa:fa-globe Mercury Venus Earth Mars] G --> I[fa:fa-globe Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Formation process of the solar system from stellar explosion to planet formation
Earth's Formation and Moon Creation
Earth formed through the accumulation of matter near the Sun. A planet-sized object called Theia collided with early Earth, and the debris formed our Moon. Water came from icy comets.
Notes
Dramatic story of Earth-Moon formation - helps students understand why Moon is important for Earth
Topic
Earth Formation
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant D as Dust and Debris participant E as Early Earth participant T as Theia participant M as Moon participant C as Comets D->>E: Gravitational accumulation E->>E: Core and crust formation T->>E: Massive collision E->>M: Debris forms Moon C->>E: Water delivery
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence of events in Earth and Moon formation showing the collision with Theia
Earth's Internal Structure
Earth has a layered structure like an onion. The core is the hottest and densest part, while the crust is the thin, cool surface layer. Understanding these layers helps explain earthquakes and volcanoes.
Notes
Fundamental concept - Earth's structure explains many surface processes like earthquakes and volcanism
Topic
Earth Structure
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-globe Earth] --> B[Core] A --> C[Mantle] A --> D[Crust] B --> E[Inner Core - Solid] B --> F[Outer Core - Liquid] C --> G[Lower Mantle] C --> H[Upper Mantle] D --> I[Continental Crust] D --> J[Oceanic Crust]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Hierarchical structure of Earth's internal layers from core to crust
Continental Drift Theory
Wegener proposed that continents aren't fixed but drift across Earth's surface over millions of years. All continents were once joined in a supercontinent called Pangaea.
Notes
Historical scientific theory - good example of how evidence supports scientific ideas
Topic
Continental Drift
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Continental Drift Evidence)) Apparent Fit Coastline matching Jigsaw puzzle fit Fossil Correlation Mesosaurus fossils Same species different continents Rock Correlation Mountain chains Rock formations Paleoclimate Glacial striations Climate indicators
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the four main types of evidence supporting continental drift theory
Seafloor Spreading
Seafloor spreading explains how ocean floors are constantly renewed. Hot magma rises between oceanic plates, creating new crust and pushing the plates apart.
Notes
Key mechanism explaining continental drift - shows how ocean floors move and renew
Topic
Seafloor Spreading
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Mantle Magma] --> B[Mid-Ocean Ridge] B --> C[New Crust Forms] C --> D[Oceanic Plate Spreads] D --> E[Old Crust Subducts] E --> F[Recycled to Mantle] F --> A
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Circular process showing how seafloor spreading creates and recycles oceanic crust
Plate Tectonics Theory
Plate tectonics is the unifying theory explaining most geological phenomena. Earth's outer shell consists of large plates that move and interact at their boundaries.
Notes
Unifying theory of geology - explains most major geological features and processes
Topic
Plate Tectonics
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Divergent [*] --> Convergent [*] --> Transform Divergent --> Ridges : Seafloor spreading Convergent --> Mountains : Continental collision Convergent --> Volcanoes : Oceanic subduction Transform --> Earthquakes : Lateral sliding
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing three types of plate boundaries and their geological results
Types of Plate Movement
The three types of plate movement create Earth's major geological features. Understanding these movements helps explain why earthquakes and volcanoes occur in specific locations.
Notes
Critical for understanding earthquake and volcano distribution - connects theory to real-world phenomena
Topic
Plate Movement Types
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Plate Boundaries] --> B[Divergent] A --> C[Convergent] A --> D[Transform] B --> E[fa:fa-arrows-alt Ridges and Rifts] C --> F[fa:fa-compress Mountains and Trenches] D --> G[fa:fa-exchange Faults and Earthquakes]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification of plate boundary types and their characteristic geological features
Earthquakes: Causes and Characteristics
Earthquakes happen when tectonic plates suddenly move past each other, releasing stored energy. The point where the earthquake starts underground is the hypocenter; the point directly above on the surface is the epicenter.
Notes
Very relevant for Filipino students - Philippines is earthquake-prone, important for safety awareness
Topic
Earthquakes
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-compress Plate Stress] --> B[Energy Buildup] B --> C[fa:fa-warning Fault Rupture] C --> D[Hypocenter] D --> E[fa:fa-wave Seismic Waves] E --> F[Epicenter Surface] F --> G[fa:fa-home Ground Shaking]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process showing how plate stress leads to earthquakes and seismic wave propagation
Types of Seismic Waves
Earthquakes produce different types of waves that travel at different speeds. Scientists use the arrival times of these waves to determine where earthquakes occurred and how strong they were.
Notes
Technical but important - explains how seismographs work and why earthquake damage varies
Topic
Seismic Waves
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant E as Earthquake Focus participant P as P-Waves participant S as S-Waves participant L as Love Waves participant R as Rayleigh Waves E->>P: First to travel E->>S: Second to travel E->>L: Surface wave 1 E->>R: Surface wave 2 P-->>S: Faster arrival S-->>L: More damage L-->>R: Most destruction
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence showing the order and characteristics of different seismic wave types
Volcanoes: Types and Formation
Volcanoes are openings in Earth's crust where magma, gas, and ash can escape to the surface. Different types form based on the magma composition and eruption characteristics.
Notes
Highly relevant for Filipino students - Philippines has many active volcanoes including famous ones like Mayon and Taal
Topic
Volcanoes
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Volcano Types)) Cinder Cone Small size Loose material Single vent Composite Steep slopes Alternating layers Explosive eruptions Shield Gentle slopes Fluid lava Multiple vents Lava Dome Viscous lava Small size Rounded shape
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Classification of volcano types with their distinguishing characteristics
Rock Cycle: Earth's Recycling System
The rock cycle shows how rocks change from one type to another over millions of years. Heat, pressure, weathering, and erosion drive these transformations in a continuous cycle.
Notes
Fundamental geological concept - shows how Earth recycles materials over geological time
Topic
Rock Cycle
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 Igneous --> Sedimentary : Weathering erosion Sedimentary --> Metamorphic : Heat pressure Metamorphic --> Igneous : Melting Igneous --> Metamorphic : Heat pressure Metamorphic --> Sedimentary : Weathering erosion Sedimentary --> Igneous : Melting Igneous --> Igneous : Remelting Sedimentary --> Sedimentary : Redeposition Metamorphic --> Metamorphic : More heat pressure
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing all possible transformations between the three rock types
Rock Types and Formation Processes
The three rock types form through different processes. Igneous rocks cool from molten material, sedimentary rocks form from accumulated particles, and metamorphic rocks change due to heat and pressure.
Notes
Practical knowledge - helps students identify rocks and understand geological processes
Topic
Rock Types
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-fire Magma/Lava] --> B[Cooling] --> C[Igneous Rocks] D[fa:fa-leaf Weathered Material] --> E[Deposition] --> F[Compaction] --> G[Sedimentary Rocks] H[Existing Rocks] --> I[fa:fa-thermometer-full Heat and Pressure] --> J[Metamorphic Rocks] C --> H G --> H J --> H
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Formation processes for the three main rock types showing their interconnected nature
Weathering and Erosion Processes
Weathering breaks down rocks at Earth's surface, while erosion moves the broken pieces to new locations. These processes work together to reshape Earth's surface continuously.
Notes
Observable processes - students can see these happening in their environment
Topic
Weathering and Erosion
Slide Id
S17
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
17
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Solid Rock] --> B[Physical Weathering] A --> C[Chemical Weathering] A --> D[Biological Weathering] B --> E[Rock Fragments] C --> F[Dissolved Materials] D --> G[Broken Rock Pieces] E --> H[fa:fa-water Erosion] F --> H G --> H H --> I[fa:fa-map Deposition]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process showing how weathering breaks down rocks and erosion transports the materials
Earth's Four Spheres System
Earth functions as an integrated system of four interconnected spheres. Each sphere interacts with the others, creating the conditions that support life on our planet.
Notes
Systems thinking approach - helps students understand Earth as integrated whole rather than separate parts
Topic
Earth System
Slide Id
S18
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
18
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Earth System)) Lithosphere Continental crust Oceanic crust Upper mantle Hydrosphere Oceans Rivers and lakes Groundwater Ice and snow Atmosphere Troposphere Stratosphere Other layers Biosphere Plants Animals Microorganisms
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Earth's four major spheres and their main components showing system integration
What Makes Earth Habitable?
Earth's habitability results from a unique combination of factors that work together to create and maintain conditions suitable for life. These conditions are rare in the universe.
Notes
Inspiring conclusion - helps students appreciate Earth's uniqueness and the need for environmental protection
Topic
Earth Habitability
Slide Id
S19
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
19
Mermaid Diagram
Code
pie title Factors Making Earth Habitable "Distance from Sun" : 25 "Liquid Water" : 25 "Stable Sun" : 20 "Magnetic Field" : 15 "Ozone Layer" : 15
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Pie chart showing the relative importance of factors that make Earth habitable for life
Chapter Summary: From Universe to Earth
This chapter traced the amazing journey from the birth of the universe to the formation of our habitable Earth. Understanding these processes helps us appreciate our planet's uniqueness and the ongoing changes that continue to shape it.
Notes
Comprehensive summary connecting all major concepts and emphasizing the continuity from cosmic to terrestrial processes
Topic
Chapter Summary
Slide Id
S20
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
20
Mermaid Diagram
Code
timeline title From Universe to Earth 13.7 billion years ago : Big Bang creates universe 4.6 billion years ago : Solar system forms 4.5 billion years ago : Earth forms 3.8 billion years ago : Life begins on Earth Present : Dynamic Earth continues evolving
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Timeline summarizing major milestones from universe formation to present-day Earth
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLEGE ENTRANCE - Science Proficiency.pdf
- CET 2026 COMPREHENSIVE LECTURE NOTES - Science.pdf
- THE UPCAT CHAMPION CET - Science.pdf
- Big Bang Theory and Cosmic Evolution - Scientific Literature
- Plate Tectonics Theory - Geological References
- Earth System Science - Educational Resources
In summary
This comprehensive exploration of the Universe, Solar System, and Earth provides students with a deep understanding of cosmic evolution and Earth's unique place in the universe. From the Big Bang Theory explaining the universe's origin 13.7 billion years ago to the formation of our solar system 4.6 billion years ago, students learn how cosmic processes led to Earth's formation. The study of Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, and rock cycle reveals how our planet remains dynamically active. Understanding continental drift, seafloor spreading, and the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes helps explain the geological phenomena students observe in the Philippines and worldwide. Finally, examining what makes Earth habitable - from its perfect distance from the Sun to its protective magnetic field - emphasizes our planet's uniqueness and the importance of environmental stewardship. This knowledge forms a crucial foundation for understanding Earth's continuing evolution and humanity's responsibility to protect our remarkable home planet.
Ready to practise for the UPCAT 2026?
Super Tutor's AI review plan adapts to your weak areas and builds a weekly practice schedule around your target UPCAT exam date.