Introduction
Because you are only in the 5th grade it is not possible for you to actually travel through space. This Webquest will simulate a space odyssey, though. you will collect information about each of the planets' different characteristics, and then use that information to create a series of postcards about your travels. You will use a notebook to take notes during your journey, and you may find that creating a chart helpful to organize your data. Before you begin, it will be important that you learn more about the solar system and what makes a planet.
Task
Reasearch the following questions in order to gather information to create your postcard series.
1. How do scientists believe the solar system was formed?
2. What are the three characteristics needed to be labeled a planet?
3. Based on this information, how many true planets are in our solar system?
4. What shape name would define the orbit of the planets around the Sun?
Process
Answer the following questions to help while write you postcard series.
1. What is the order of the planets according to their distance from the Sun?
2. What are the stats for each planet? This includes:
- Distance from the sun
- Length of a year
- Length of day
- Average temperature
- How much you would weigh if you were visiting that planet
Keep in mind, you will need to click on "Stats" for information about each planet.
3. What are some other interesting facts about each planet?
4. Now that you have learned more about each planet, how would you order the planets by mass? Here is a fun game to see if you are right.
Evaluation
Now you have collected data for each of the planets, you can create a series of postcards using a virtual postcard creator. You will create one postcard for each planet you visited. On the front of your postcard there will be in image of the planet. You may use original, traced or copied artwork, or images printed from the web. On your postcard you should included five to ten facts about the planet. These will be taken directly from your researched notes,(the questions you answered).Do not simply list the facts. You are writing to someone from this planet so it should be as though you are having a conversation with someone about what you have learned along your journey.
Post cards will be graded on facts and image,as well as appropriate spelling, punctuation and capitalization.
Conclusion
After your long journey throught the planets, which planet was your favorite and why? Write me an additional postcard telling me about this.
Credits
Image: Solar System by NASA under Public Domain
