Introduction
Hello Space students!
NASA has appointed each of you to be the lead scientists on a mission to the Moon!
You are split up into 8 space shuttles so that each group will land on
a different part of the Moon to research.
But on the way back to Earth...
...the lead shuttle rockets out of control causing every group to land on four different unknown planets!
It is your responsibility to figure out what planet your group is on by exploring
your surroundings and get back to Earth by contacting the
space station to get directions from your planet!
Let's get going on our research to figure out where in the universe we are!
Task
Alright, class, here we go!
You have all been put into 8 groups, this is your space mission research team.
Throughout this experience I will need each of you to work hard and fast as each of you are
critical to the survival of your entire team! You only have enough space food and
supplies for you and your team to last a week on your unknown planet.
You must figure out which planet you are on and contact the NASA space
station for directions so that you make it back to Earth in time!
Your Team Task
As a team, you will need to figure out what planet you are on by your observations of your surroundings.
After you have made it back to Earth safely with the help of your teammates and the NASA space station,
you will need to research more about the planet that you unexpectedly landed on.
Each team member will be responsible for certain characteristics of the planet.
You need to decide which member will be in charge of each part of the research assignment.
NASA is expecting a fantastic presentation, which includes a scale model of the planet you landed on so work hard to impress!
Team Member 1:
You are in charge of learning about the atmosphere of the planet, what gases or other materials exist in the atmosphere, and any terrestrial features. (if you don't have a 3rd person team member 1 also completes the task of team member 3)
Team Member 2:
You are to research the amount of moons the planet has, if any, their names, and any other important information about them. You are also to research the amount of rings the planet has, if any, and how big the planet is in kilometers or miles.
Team Member 3:
You are in charge of researching the planet's distance from the Sun, and earth, and how long it takes for one full rotation on its axis, and how long one year is on that planet.
Process
Step One
Below you will find some characteristics of your planet that should lead you to your identification of the planet. You can then contact the space station with your location and get started on your trip home to Earth!
Group 1
Just before landing on your unknown planet, you notice that it appears to be red. While there you find a volcano bigger than any other volcano in the universe and have trouble walking on its rocky surface.
Group 2
You notice as you look around that there are several beautiful rings circling the planet. It is made up of gases and you weigh much less than on Earth because of how lightweight this planet is.
Group 3
When you were landing on your planet, you notice it is a pretty blue color. As you look around your planet you notice that there is a great white cloud moving around at a fast speed and it is very windy all around you.
Group 4
When you land on your planet, you see that it is very colourful but has a huge red spot on it. While you try to figure out where you are, it is hard to concentrate because of the crazy stormy weather.
Group 5
When you land on your planet you notice it is a pretty blue colour and you can see lots of moons.
Group 6
the planet you land on has both land and water and only 1 moon.
Group 7
you crash land and the first thing you notice is how hot your planet is and that it is almost the same size as earth.
Group 8
you land on a hot planet and have a really good view of the sun. the surface is very rocky making it hard for you to get around.
For help in discovering which planet you landed on, click the links below and explore!!
Click here for information about every planet in the solar system!
Click here to find out if the planet you landed on might be Mars!
Step Two
Now that you have figured out what planet you landed on and safely got your entire research team back to Earth, you all have been given the high-appointed task by NASA to conduct formal research over the planet you just returned from. Each member has already been assigned a specific task and a particular set of research to contribute to the team's presentation and final planet model.
Below you will find links that will help you learn more about your planet and prepare you for your presentation for NASA as you explore your planet through games and videos!
Click here to learn about the solar system through fun facts and interactive games!
Click on this link to interactively search through the universe and learn more about the planets!
Step Three
Make sure you meet up with your team and share what you have learned about your planet.
Gather all of the information and begin planning your fantastic presentation for NASA! You may use any type of presentation form you like, but I will give you a tip: NASA really likes to see pictures!
- Poster Board
- Powerpoint
- Sway
This link below will help you in finding the best pictures and ideas for creativity for your presentation over your planet!
Click here for information to explore all of the planets!
And any other props or ideas you come up with to present your information will be great! Work hard as a team to create the most exciting presentation NASA will ever see! Most of all, HAVE FUN!!!
Step Four
Collect a planet chart to complete as each group shares their information about the planet they landed on. Together we'll build a class diorama of our solar system.
Evaluation
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Astronaut Research Team Rubric
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Conclusion
Great Job Astronauts!
Because of your great efforts and amazing teamwork, you successfully made it safely back to Earth with all of your research from the Moon! NASA will be so impressed with your research and presentations of your planet! Who knows? They may even hire you as a full-time research astronaut someday!
You have all learned so much about the Solar System from your success
through this Webquest, and we will continue to learn together as we
continue with fun activities in the classroom
