Our Corner of the Universe

Introduction

You are an astronomer about to explore outer-space.

You have been asked to conduct a search to discover which planets exist in our solar system.

On this space adventure you will investigate how big these planets are compared to Earth, how close they are to the sun and how long they take to orbit the sun.

There is one seat left on the space shuttle, are you ready for launch off?

If so, grab your spacesuit, moonboots and ??? and head to the Task section of the WebQuest for blast off...

 

Task

You have just been recruited by NASA to represent Australia in a voyage into outer-space to explore the planets of the solar system.

You will be requried to work as a team with your fellow astronauts to answer questions and investigate the mysteries of the planets. Your discoveries will need to be recorded so you can present them to the public on your arrival back to Earth.

There will be four space shuttles voyaging into outer-space , and their code names are:

  • Orion
  • Apollo
  • Nova
  • Luna

Together you are in charge of the collection of information, recording of facts, production of your media presentation.

Things to include during your exploration are:

  • The names of the planets you discover.
  • The size of these planets.
  • The distance each planet is from the sun.
  • How long each planet takes to orbit the sun.

On returning to Earth your group will design a presentation to explain your findings.  This presentation can use powerpoint, images and sound clips to illustrate what you have discovered.

Process

5..4..3..2..1..

Each group of astronauts is in charge of their own Discovery Journal.  It will contain written accounts of your research and be used to design and create your presentation.

Each crew will be allocated by your Captain (teacher) and then board the following space shuttles to begin your mission:

  • Orion
  • Apollo
  • Nova
  • Luna

Before blast off, watch a short video to prepare yourselves for the planets you will discover on your voyage. (Video link)

As you travel into outer-space, explore the following websites to build upon your knowledge and learn some interesting facts about the planets in our solar system.

(Resources)

To help you with your presentation when you arrive back on Earth, create a map of the solar system. Print out the space map (space map worksheet) and make sure that you include the following information:

  • The planets and their names.
  • The order of the planets from the sun.
  • The sizes of each planet.
  • The distance between the sun and each planet.
Teacher Page

By the end of this lesson, grade 5 students will be able to:

  1. Identify the planets of the solar system and compare how long they take to orbit the sun.
  2. Model the relative size of and distance between Earth, other planets in the solarsystem and the sun