Related Activities | Active with the Internet | Review Questions

1. With the use of reference materials, identify the characteristics of the nine planets in of the solar system.

PURPOSE:

1. To be able to identify the characteristics of the planets.
2. To determine relationships and apply scientific concepts.
    

MATERIALS:

• reference materials
• solar system data
   

PROCEDURES:
Write a brief description of one characteristic or feature of the planets in the space provided. This selected feature should be unique or outstanding to that planet. Examples and diagrams are welcome in your descriptions.
 

• MERCURY ________________________________________________

• VENUS ________________________________________________

• EARTH ________________________________________________

• MARS ________________________________________________

• JUPITER ________________________________________________

• SATURN ________________________________________________

• URANUS ________________________________________________

• NEPTUNE ________________________________________________

• PLUTO ________________________________________________

DISCUSSION:

1. In what ways are Mercury and Pluto similar?
2. Why does Mercury have a shorter period of revolution than Pluto?
3. What are some of the major differences between the Inner and Outer Planets?
4. Of the nine planets, which one is more Earth-like? Justify your answer.
    

Windows to the Universe
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
This is a fun and different website about Earth and Space Sciences; it is filled with colorful, clearly illustrated graphics; click on "Enter the Site" to start. You can choose from Our Solar System, Space Missions, The Universe, Myths, Cool Stuff, Kid's Space and more. For example, the information on Our Solar System can be presented as either Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced programs, depending upon which level chosen. There are facts and art activities for these levels. This is a very informative site - appropriate for both middle- and high school students.

Introduction to The Nine Planets
http://astrolink.mclink.it/nineplanets/intro.html
This is a multimedia "tour" of the Solar System, focusing on each major body in the system. There is a useful glossary, with additional links for facts, satellites, audio and video. Each planet is covered in great, artistic detail; once again, the site is appropriate for middle-and high school students. It is suggested that the adventure begin with the "Express Tour".

1. As the distance from the Sun increases, the surface temperatures on the planets (1)increase (2)decrease (3)remain the same.
2. Why are seasons on Mars almost twice as long as on earth? (1)Mars makes one rotation in about the same time period (2)Mars takes twice as long to revolve around the Sun (3)Earth revolves more slowly than Mars.
3. Which of the following comparisons between Earth and Mars is true? (1)they have about the same diameter (2)they have the same type of atmosphere (3)their surface features are similar.

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