Astronomy Unit Supplemental lessons, activities, and links.
1. Planet Report
The Structure of the Planet Report:
Start your report with an introductory paragraph that states the main ideas
that you will be writing about. Then write at least five paragraphs that
clearly describe your planet. Each paragraph should cover one topic (for
example, you should have one paragraph that covers the planet's location in
the Solar System, how far it is from the Sun, and how long its year is). End
the report with a closing paragraph that summarizes what you wrote and
learned. Finally, cite your references (see the section below on formats for
your bibliography). Check that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are
correct. Make sure to use complete sentences and write neatly. You may type
the report if you would like. Define any technical terms that you use.
Proofread your report for errors before you hand it in.
You will also need to hand in the graphic organizer and your rough draft.
Topics to Research and Include in Your Report:
When you write your report, try to answer as many of the following questions
as you can: The Planet's Name: What does its name mean? Many planets were
named after mythological Gods.
Position in the Solar System: Where is your planet located (for example,
Mars in the fourth planet from the Sun)? How far from the Sun does it orbit.
Is its orbit unusual?
Rotation on its Axis: How long does it take for your planet to rotate on its
own axis? (This is one day on your planet.)
Size: How big is your planet? How does it rate in terms of the other planets
in terms of size (is it the biggest, the smallest)? What is your planet's
mass?
Gravity: What is the force of gravity at the surface of your planet? For
example, what would a 100-pound person weigh on that planet?
Orbit: How long does it take for your planet to orbit the Sun? (This is one
year on your planet.)
Atmosphere: What is the composition of the atmosphere of your planet? Is it
a thick or a thin atmosphere?
Temperature: What is the temperature range your planet? How does this
compare to the temperature on Earth?
Composition of Your Planet and its Appearance: What type of planet is it (is
it rocky or a gas giant)? What is its internal composition? What does your
planet look like?
Moons: If there are moons orbiting your planet, describe them and when they
were discovered.
Rings: If there are rings orbiting your planet, describe them and when they
were discovered.
How Would a Human Being Fare on Your Planet: On your planet, would a person
choke in the atmosphere, be squashed by the extreme gravity, float with
ease, freeze, burn up, or something else?
Something Special: Is there anything special about your planet? This can
often be the best part of the report, taking you off on interesting topics.
For example, are there 100-year-long storms on your planet? Are there giant
volcanoes? Does your planet have a very tilted axis (giving it extreme
seasons)? Have spacecraft visited your planet? If so, what have they
discovered? Is your planet in an orbital resonance with another body?
Discovery of Your Planet: The planets that are not visible using the naked
eye were discovered after the invention of the telescope (these are Uranus,
Neptune, and Pluto). Tell when your planet was discovered and by whom.
How to write a BIBLIOGRAPHY: When you write your bibliography, list all of
your references. Formats for each type of publication follows (there are
different formats for different media):
Formats:
Web Site: Author(s) if appropriate. Title of Site or web page. URL of site,
date of publication (the earliest copyright year listed).
Book: Author(s). Title of book. Edition. Location of publisher: Name of
Publisher, year of publication. Encyclopedia: Title of encyclopedia, volume
of encyclopedia used. Location of publisher: Name of Publisher, year of
publication, pages where the article is located.
Magazine or Journal: Author(s). "Title of article." Name of magazine,
Volume. issue (date): pages where the article is located
2. Science Astronomy Project
This project is a science activity, although it correlates with the Open
Court Astronomy Unit, it will be presented and graded as a science project.
Satellite Graphing Project
Mars Diorama
Asteroid Exhibit
Galaxy Mobile
Milky Way paper collage
Design a model of the sun
Create a Space shuttle and landing pad
Design and construct a model or diorama of the Solar System
Create a model, illustration, or diagram depicting the phases of the moon
Create a question and answer board game on any Astronomy topic
3. Mission to Mars
FOCUS
What is it like on Mars?
OBJECTIVES:
To identify the unique characteristics of the planet Mars.
To compare and contrast Earth and Mars.
Mission to Mars
http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/mars_missions.htm
Nasa for Kids
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/games/index.html
Yahoo Science -Solar System
http://kids.yahoo.com/science/
Spacekids
http://spacekids.hq.nasa.gov/osskids/
Zoom Astronomy
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/
Animals in space.
http://ham.space.umn.edu/kris/animals.html
Other Resources