Introduction
Space exploration has always captured our imagination, but behind every mission is science and careful planning. In this activity, you’ll take on the role of a space agency team planning a mission to one of the planets in our solar system. Your goal is to choose a planet, understand its environment, and design a mission that can survive and collect scientific data.
Task
- Choose one planet (excluding Earth).
- Research its physical characteristics (atmosphere, gravity, temperature, etc.).
- Identify possible challenges for space travel and survival.
- Design a basic mission plan and create a mission proposal in the form of a digital poster, slideshow, or short video.
Process
1. Group up (3–4 students) and assign roles:
- Planet Researcher – investigates the planet’s conditions
- Engineer – proposes the design of the spacecraft or robot
- Mission Planner – outlines goals, timeline, and equipment
- Presenter – builds the final output and narrates findings
2. Answer the following:
- What is your planet like? (weather, gravity, surface)
- What problems will your spacecraft/mission face?
- What data do you want to collect?
- What equipment do you need to complete the mission?
3. Use visuals and concise text. Be creative but stay scientifically accurate.
Useful Links:
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/overview/
https://www.esa.int/kids/en/learn/Our_Universe/Planets_and_moons
https://mars.nasa.gov/mars-exploration/missions/
https://www.space.com/56-our-solar-system-planets-moons-space.html
Evaluation
Your work will be graded based on the following categories. Each category is worth up to 5 points. The maximum score is 30 points.
1. Scientific Accuracy
5 pts – All information is correct and clearly explained using science terms.
3 pts – Most facts are accurate, with only a few minor mistakes.
1 pt – Many facts are wrong or missing; science terms are not used correctly.
2. Mission Design
5 pts – The mission plan fits the planet’s environment and includes creative, realistic solutions.
3 pts – The mission plan has good ideas but needs more detail or stronger solutions.
1 pt – The plan is hard to understand or doesn’t match the planet’s conditions.
3. Use of Visuals and Creativity
5 pts – The poster, slideshow, or video is neat, creative, and well-designed.
3 pts – Some effort in visuals is shown, but design may be too simple or messy.
1 pt – The work has little visual appeal or is hard to read or follow.
4. Clarity and Organization
5 pts – The project is easy to follow, well-organized, and clearly written.
3 pts – Mostly clear, with some confusing or unorganized parts.
1 pt – Hard to follow or understand; messy or poorly written.
5. Teamwork and Participation
5 pts – All group members worked together and contributed equally.
3 pts – Most members helped, but one or two did most of the work.
1 pt – Only one or two group members participated; poor teamwork.
6. Presentation or Submission
5 pts – Final work is complete, neat, and submitted on time.
3 pts – Work is mostly complete or slightly late.
1 pt – Work is incomplete or very late.
Total Score: ___ / 30
Conclusion
Congratulations, space explorers! You have successfully designed a space mission that applies what you’ve learned about the planets in our solar system. Through this journey, you explored scientific data, used problem-solving skills, and collaborated as a team.
As we end, ask yourself: If you could actually visit one of the planets, which one would it be and why?
Remember, science is not just about answers, it’s about asking the right questions.
Credits
Created by: Sherrie Lorraine A.
School/Institution: Iqra Development Academy
Date: August 4 2025
Sources Used:
- NASA Solar System Exploration: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov
- DepEd K to 12 Science Curriculum Guide
- Wikimedia Commons for planet illustrations
- WebQuest model inspired by Bernie Dodge and Tom March
Special Note:
This WebQuest was created as part of a learning design activity for Grade 10 science students. All materials and content were developed with accessibility and engagement in mind, especially for learners in varied learning setups, including distance and blended learning.
Teacher Page
Subject: Science
Grade Level: Grade 10
Topic: Exploring the Planets in Our Solar System
Curriculum Link: Earth and Space Science – DepEd K to 12 Curriculum Guide
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and compare the characteristics of planets in the solar system.
- Apply scientific knowledge to a simulated space exploration task.
- Practice collaboration, research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
Overview:
This WebQuest invites students to role-play as members of a space agency. Their mission is to research one planet in the solar system and create a detailed mission plan. They must choose a suitable planet, justify their choice, and explain what equipment and data they would need for exploration.
Time Frame: 3–5 days (1 hour each)
Group Work: Recommended in teams of 3–4 students
Assessment: Based on group presentation, research content, creativity, and peer/self-evaluation
Integration Tips:
This WebQuest fits well within a unit on the solar system or space exploration. You may also integrate ICT skills by having students use digital tools for presentation or virtual simulations (e.g., NASA's Eyes on the Solar System).