Introduction
Have you ever wondered why at night we can see the moon and stars, but not the other plants? Today we are going to learn about Earth's place in the solar system and how far away other planets are. In this Webquest, you will become an astronaut and put the planets in inner and outer groups while looking at physical properties and their distance form the earth.
Task
Your mission is to create, draw, and color a diagram on a poster that shows the correct order of planets. Some how show the inner planets as a group and the outer planets as a group on the diagram. You will also need to list 3 characteristics of inner and outer planets. You will present you diagram to the class and share your list of characteristics. Have fun and be creative!
Process
Follow these steps to complete your assignment:
- Watch these videos about inner and outer planets!
2. Play this solar system quiz to familiarize yourself with the order and image of each planet
3. Grab your poster and art supplies you will need to make your diagram.
4. Draw, label, and color the planets in our solar system in order from the Sun.
5. Creatively label the inner and outer planets in your diagram
6. Write three characteristics of the inner and outer planets
7. Practice your presentation!
Evaluation
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Criterion (Score at 0 if there is no evidence)
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Below Expectations (1) |
Meets Expectations (3) |
Exceeds Expectations (5) |
Score |
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Student Sample Requirements |
The diagram and presentation do not meet requirements. |
The diagram and presentation meet one or two requirements. |
The diagram and presentation meet all of the requirements |
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Knowledge Gained |
The sample does not show the learning or retention of knowledge of the solar system form this activity |
The sample does show basic learning and retention of knowledge of the solar system from this activity. |
The sample shows complete learning and retention of knowledge of the solar system from this activity. |
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Use of Links |
The sample does not show use of links from Internet as stated in the Process. |
The sample shows some use one or two links from Internet as stated in the Process. |
The sample shows use of all links provided from the Internet as stated in the Process. |
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Rubric Grading
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The student sample evaluation from the submitted rubric scores in the beginning/below expectations/ range. |
The student sample evaluation from the submitted rubric scores in the developing/meets expectations/average range. |
The student sample evaluation from the submitted rubric scores in the exemplary/above expectations/ range. |
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TOTAL |
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Conclusion
Here are some questions to think about:
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Why did the inner planets form rocky while the outer planets became gas giants?
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Why does Saturn have rings, but Earth doesn’t?
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What would it be like to stand on Jupiter if it had a solid surface?
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Could people travel to Neptune? Why or Why not?
Congratulations Astronauts!! You have completed you mission!
Teacher Page
Make sure you are walking around and answering students questions throughout the activity. Make sure to create a comfortable environment for students to present and talk about respect and good listening.
Standard covered: 3.ESS1: Earth’s Place in the Universe 1) Use data to categorize the planets in the solar system as inner or outer planets according to their physical properties.