Exploring the Solar System

Introduction

It is time to take a tour of the Solar System! In this WebQuest, you will be acting as a virtual space traveler who learns about planets, moons, and other interplanetary objects. Your mission will be to gather facts on our neighbors in the solar system and then present a report before a panel of astronomers.

 

Task

Write a travel brochure or multimedia presentation about one of the planets in the Solar System. Some information you include in your brochure is size, whether there is an atmosphere, the number of moons, and some other interesting facts about it. Present your case for why this planet should be the next destination for humans.

 

Process

Task Step 1: Select a planet in the Solar System.
Step 2: Utilize the following websites to help you in your research:.When you click on any of the websites above, it will take you to a new page and immediately you find yourself on a page that looks like this :
Step 3: Sort your facts into the five main categories of Headings: Introduction, Facts About the Planet, Atmosphere and Surface, Moons, and Fun Facts.
Step 4: Craft and build your travel brochure/presentation with online design or software
Step 5: Present your brochure to your class. Be sure you have some fabulous reasons why they need to go visit this planet you have selected
Resources:
NASA Solar System Exploration: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system
Planets for Kids: https://www.planetsforkids.org
Your project will be graded on the following rubric:

 

Evaluation

Criteria

Excellent (4)

Good (3)

Satisfactory (2)

Needs Improvement (1)

Content

In-depth research with accurate facts

Accurate facts, but lacking detail

Some inaccuracies or missing details

Limited research, significant inaccuracies

Presentation Design

Creative, well-organized, and visually appealing

Well-organized but lacking creativity

Some organization, could be improved

Disorganized and unappealing

Oral Presentation

Clear, engaging, and confident delivery

Clear but lacks engagement

Unclear or lacking confidence

Difficult to understand or lacks preparation

Use of Resources

Effectively uses all provided resources

Uses most resources effectively

Uses only some resources

Does not utilize resources effectively

Conclusion

Conclusion
Congratulations! You have just completed your space journey by creating a travel brochure about the planet you chose. Think back to your experience: What did you learn anew about your planet? If you had more time, what would you do to make your brochure even better? Would you ever like to return to this planet?

 

Credits

Makes use of all available resources, effective use of most resources, only utilizes a few, does not make appropriate usage of the resources

Teacher Page

This was a WebQuest, researching, organizing, and presenting with the resources provided over the internet, thus helping one develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, and presentation.