Name: ________________________________________
Solar System Project
Greetings Astronomers! You and your group members are going to be
researching the solar system. There are four expert areas that will be
used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Standard:
S4E1. Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, star patterns, and planets.
a. Recognize the physical attributes of stars in the night sky such as number, size, color and patterns.
b. Compare the similarities and differences of planets to the stars in appearance, position, and number in the night
sky.
c. Explain why the pattern of stars in a constellation stays the same, but a planet can be seen in different locations
at different times.
d. Identify how technology is used to observe distant objects in the sky.
Area #1: Planet Researcher
Use the following websites to learn about the physical attributes of the planets. In addition, research the
difference between the inner and outer planets. Then, choose one inner planet and one outer planet to
research more in detail. Also, research other celestial bodies in the sky (asteroids, asteroid belt, comets,
etc). Use the graphic organizer provided to record your information.
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0909527.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/
http://www.kidzone.ws/planets/
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm
http://www.planetsforkids.org/
http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/welcome.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/solarsystem/sun_and_planets
http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/index.cfm
http://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/Cometsandmeteors.html
Area #2: Star Researcher
Use the following websites to learn about the physical attributes of stars and star patterns. Also, research
the different types of stars. Finally, choose two constellations to research. Describe the constellations and
tell the myth behind the constellation. Use the graphic organizer provided to record your information.
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/universe/stars-article/
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/stars.shtml
http://stardate.org/nightsky/constellations
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/stars.htm
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/universe_level2/stars.html
http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/tonights_sky/
http://www.uni.edu/morgans/astro/course/Notes/section2/new6.html
http://dustbunny.com/afk/constellations/
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/astroskymap/constellation_hunt.htm
Area #3: 3-D Model Researcher/Current Event Reporter
Use the following websites to learn how to create quality 3 D models. Record the tips you learn on the
organizer provided.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2055161_build-solar-system.html
http://www.craftsforkids.com/projects/real_solar_system.htm
Use the following websites to research some current events going on in the world of astronomy. Highlight
2-3 of the most interesting. Use the graphic organizer to record the events.
http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/26/nasa-longest-space-flight-for-u-s-astronaut-set-for-2015/
https://www.dogonews.com/2015/4/6/short-but-spectacular-lunar-eclipse-delights-millions
https://www.dogonews.com/2015/3/18/spacewalks-have-come-a-long-way-in-fifty-years
https://www.dogonews.com/2015/1/6/nasa-astronaut-and-russian-cosmonaut-prepare-for-year-longmission-to-international-space-station
https://www.dogonews.com/2015/1/6/orions-successful-flight-just-the-first-step-on-journey-to-mars
https://www.dogonews.com/2014/12/11/nasas-orion-spacecraft-passes-test-flight-with-flying-colors
Area #4: Space Technology Tools Researcher
Use the following websites to research the tools that are being used to explore our solar system. Record
what you learn on the graphic organizer.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=830 - Watch the Hubble Telescope's Eye on the Universe
Podcast to see a slide show of the most famous photos that the Hubble Telescope has taken over the
years.
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/tools.shtml
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/basics/How_to_Start_Right_in_Astronomy.html
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/story-space-tools/en/#/review/story-spacetools/book.swf?bookXML=supercool-space-tools.xml
Final Task
Now everyone should use the information from the sites you visited to create 3 items:
1) Create a 3-D model of the solar system. Be creative and make your model worthy of displaying in a
museum.
2) Create a multimedia presentation of your material. You may use Prezi, iMovie, Power Point,
etc…the sky is the limit! You must include information learned, but don’t “bog” down your
presentation with too many number style details!
3) Give an oral presentation. You will use your multimedia piece to help in your presentation and you will
show off your 3-D model. Presentations have a 10-minute max time limit (EVERYTHING INCLUDED!)
Name: ____________________________________________________
Planet Researcher
List the inner planets. What are some characteristics of the inner planets?
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List the outer planets. What are some characteristics of the outer planets?
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Inner planet:
Atmosphere
Color
Composition
(what is it made of)
___ planet from the
sun
Surface features
(mountains, craters,
etc.)
Size of planet
Diameter
(in miles)
Distance from Sun
(in miles)
Outer planet:
Length of Day/
Rotation
(hrs.:min./ in Earth days)
Length of
Year/Revolution
in Earth(days)
Number
of Moons
Rings?
Interesting Facts
(include at least 2
for each)
Other objects in
the solar system
Characteristics
Name: __________________________________________________
Star Researcher
Describe
physical
attributes
Describesome
the life
cycle of
a star? of stars (number, brightness, composition, size, colors, and formation).
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Describe the different types of stars (red dwarf, yellow, etc.)?
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Choose two constellations and describe them. Also, briefly tell the myth behind the constellation.
Constellation
Description and myth
Name: ______________________________________________
3-D Researcher and Current Event Reporter
List the most important components in creating the group's 3-D model. Also, gather the
materials from your classroom or from home. Consider things such as Styrofoam balls (be
sure to use the appropriate size for each planet), paint, clay, string, pipe cleaners, a
cardboard box, and any other craft materials you find that may help you with this project.
Tips for creating a great 3-D model: ________________________________________________________________________________
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Materials needed/Sketch:
Highlight 2-3 current events going on in the world of astronomy today. Explain each in detail so that a
person who has not read the news article will comprehend the current event.
Title of article/Topic:
Explanation:
Date:
Title of article/Topic:
Date:
Title of article/Topic:
Date:
Choose one current event from above. What impact might this have on future space exploration? __________
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Name: ___________________________________________________
Space Technology Tools Researcher
Record information about how technology is used to observe objects in the night sky.
Be sure to include photos of the technology.
Tool/Technology
Description/How is the tool/technology useful?