Space Academy Solar System

Science; Earth and Space Systems - describe the physical characteristics of components of the solar system - the sun, planets, natural satellites, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. Math; Number Sense and Numeration - demonstrate an understanding of ratio - estimate and calculate percent - identify real-world applications of integers - multiply and divide numbers (3 digit by 2 digit) Language; Reading - understand the vocabulary and language structures appropriate for this grade level - use conventions of written materials to help them understand and use the materials - select appropriate reading strategies - understand specialized words or terms

  A Link to Learning web-based student learning activity     www.linktolearning.com

Starting from the Star Child Solar System page;
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/solar_system.html
visit each planet and read the information.

1. Record two unique facts about each planet

2. Now that you have "explored" the solar system, you should be ready for a quiz to test your knowledge.

Try the Solar System Shuffle
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/activity/solar_system_shuffle.html

and record your score here: ___________________

If you think you are an expert, try Planet Tic Tac Toe.
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/activity/planet_tac_toe.html

(Show your teacher if and when you win.)

3. Use information from the Star Child Solar System pages to answer the following questions.

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/solar_system.html

a. What is the difference between an asteroid and a comet? _____________________________

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b. What is the difference between a meteorite and a meteoroid? ___________________________

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Using the Table of Planets at the Windows on the Universe web site, answer the following questions, showing all your calculations.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/our_solar_system/planets_table.html

4. a. Name the largest and smallest planets. __________________________________________

b. Calculate the difference in their diameters (km).

c. Round the diameters to the nearest thousand and then calculate the ratio of their diameters, comparing largest to smallest.

        Rounded diameters:

        Ratio:

5. On the planet Mercury, by how much does the average surface temperature vary? ie. What is the difference between the lowest surface temperature and the highest surface temperature?

6. What percent of the planets have moons?

7. Look at the "gravity at equator" data.
An object that weighs one pound on Earth would weigh 2.64 pounds on Jupiter.
If a student weighs 90 pounds on Earth, how much would he/she weigh on Pluto?