PLANETS OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM by JANET M. SHEARD

PLANETS OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM

Welcome to a magical journey of our solar system.  Join the Sheard Herd and  take off on a mission to outer space.   

If you choose to do Mission I, highlight one of the levels below. Your goal will be to learn:

• the definition for solar system, elliptical, comets, asteroids, orbit, and mass.
• the names of the planets.
• two or three interesting facts about each planet.
• highlighted definitions given for each planet.

Place the information on flashcards to make a board game.  

Level 1 [Introduction]
Level 2 [Intermediate]
Level 3 [More Detailed Information]
Level 4 [Search for Extrasolar Planets]

If you choose to do Mission II create a Power Point presentation about the solar system.  Your next goal will be to develop a slide show for each planet.  Each slide will have:

• two or three interesting facts about each planet.
• an image of each planet.
• one slide at the beginning with your name, date, grade, and room number. 

1. Mercury
2. Venus
3. Earth
4. Mars
5. Jupiter
6. Saturn
7. Uranus
8. Neptune
9. The Dwarf Planet Pluto
10. Sun (Optional)

If you choose Mission III , you will develop a planet profile. Your challenge is to collect the following data for each of planet

1. Diameter
2. Distance from the Sun -Astronomical Units (AU)
3. Revolution Period (length of year in earth day)
4. Rotation Period
5. Maximum (^oK)
6. Minimum (^oK)
7. Mean Surface Temperature (^oK)

Now construct a graph displaying the information.  Find the section entitled THE PLANETS to locate the information you need to complete the graph.

If you choose Mission IV, you will:

• select an outer or inner planet
• write the name of the planet
  • identify a landform for the inner planet
    ...or...
  • identify a gas for the outer planet
• design a worksheet 

1. Mercury
2. Venus
3. Earth
4. Mars
5. Jupiter
6. Saturn
7. Uranus
8. Neptune
9. The Dwarf Planet Pluto 

If you choose Mission V, you will have fun with many interesting activities. Choose one of the selections below to find out how much fun you can have with the new information you have acquired. 

1. Solar System Trading Cards Game
2. Multidisciplinary Activities on the Solar System 
3. Zoom Astronomy Home Page:  Go to section entitled Fun Things
4. Zoom Astronomy Home Page:  Go to section entitled Classroom Activities
5. Solar System Quiz

Mission VI is your final interaction.  Find out how much you have learned on your magical journey to outer space.

• Zoom Astronomy Home Page:  Go to section entitled Solar System Tutor
• Treasure Hunt Questions
• Solar System Quiz
• Space Trivia Quizzes
  

Teacher Resource

• Exploring the Planets in the Classroom:  Hands-on Activities

• http://www.surveillance-video.com/astronomy-sept-2009.html