Solar System

The Solar System WebQuest

Your Objective #1:  Describe and compare the components of the solar system.

a. Identify the planets in the solar system by name and relative location from the sun.
b. Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
d. Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.
e. Research and report on the use of manmade satellites orbiting Earth and various planets.

Introduction

Ok, crew! Your training is now over. You have studied the solar system in your science class. You have completed training at NASA, and now you are an official NASA astronaut ready to launch into outer space. Your mission:  to discover fascinating information about all of the planets of our solar system. For example, which planet spins backwards compared to the others? Which one is so light it could float in a bathtub if we could find one big enough? What would your age and weight be on Mars? I bet you think Pluto is the farthest planet from the sun...not always! Find out all of this crucial information and more about the planets and report back to mission control in Houston with all of your discoveries.  We here on earth are all counting on you...enjoy your mission...ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...........

What objects make up the Solar System? This is a question astronomers have studied for centuries. Today you work for NASA and will use information you gather from the Internet to identify and classify objects in the Solar System.

STEP 1: Your first assignment is to complete the Classifying the Planets Worksheet. To complete the worksheet.

Step 2:

Using some of the following websites, record all needed information about the planets on your planet chart. On a separate piece of paper, record three fun facts about each planet that are not on the chart already.

sun)

STEP 1: Your first assignment is to complete the Classifying the Planets Worksheet. To complete the worksheet, look at the following websites:

Solar System Exploration – Our Solar System -http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm

The Planets & Dwarf Planets -  http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/planets.html

Our Solar System -  http://www.windows2universe.org/our_solar_system/solar_system.html

SkyandTelescope.com - Observing Celestial Objects - http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/celestial-objects-to-watch/

Astronomy.com For Kids - The Solar System http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm

Windows on the Universe - Meteors - http://www.windows2universe.org/our_solar_system/meteors/meteors.html

The Nine 8 Planets- http://nineplanets.org/

Step 2:

Using some of the following websites, record all needed information about the planets on your planet chart. On a separate piece of paper, record three fun facts about each planet that are not on the chart already.

http://www.kidzone.ws/planets/index.htm

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769141.html

http://www.davidson.k12.nc.us/webquests/planets/planets.htm

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/psgk3ex.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/starwarp2.html

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/more/205mer.html

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/planets.html

http://www.nineplanets.org/sol.html ((the sun)

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/sun_facts.html 

Here you will evaluate yourself on how well everyone contributed to your group.

When you reach this point, you have completed your assignment! Congratulations! Repeat after me - "I am a planetary genuis. I am so smart I amaze myself!"

Grade Level: 5th - 8th Grade

General Information: This project was designed to be used as an activity during study of the solar system.

Students will be able to:

• Study one planet in greater detail.
• Use creative problem solving skills.
• Develop reading comprehension of factual text through researching, recording, and consolitdating scientific information using technology.