Welcome to the Solar System WebQuest! In this activity, you will explore the amazing planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit our sun. You will learn about their features, sizes, distances, and movements. You will also compare and contrast them with each other and with Earth. By the end of this WebQuest, you will have a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of our solar system.
Introduction
Welcome to the Solar System WebQuest! In this activity, you will explore the amazing planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit our sun. You will learn about their features, sizes, distances, and movements. You will also compare and contrast them with each other and with Earth. By the end of this WebQuest, you will have a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of our solar system.
Task
Your task is to create a poster or a brochure that showcases the solar system and its components. You will work in groups of four, and each group member will be responsible for researching and presenting one of the following categories: inner planets, outer planets, dwarf planets, and small solar system bodies. Your poster or brochure should include the following information for each category:
• The names and images of the objects in that category
• The main characteristics and facts about each object, such as size, distance, rotation, revolution, atmosphere, temperature, moons, rings, etc.
• The similarities and differences between the objects in that category and in other categories
• The challenges and opportunities for exploration and colonization of the objects in that category
Process
To complete your task, you will follow these steps:
1. Form a group of four and assign each group member one of the categories: inner planets, outer planets, dwarf planets, or small solar system bodies.
2. Use the resources provided below to research your assigned category and take notes of the information you find. You may also use other reliable sources, but make sure to cite them properly.
3. Create a draft of your poster or brochure using a word processor, presentation software, or an online tool of your choice. Make sure to include the information required for your category, as well as images, charts, graphs, or diagrams to illustrate your points. You may also use your own creativity and style to make your poster or brochure attractive and informative.
4. Share your draft with your group members and give each other feedback and suggestions for improvement. Revise your draft based on the feedback you receive.
5. Finalize your poster or brochure and print it out or save it as a PDF file. Be ready to present it to the class and explain your findings.
Evaluation
Your poster or brochure will be evaluated based on the following rubric.
| Criteria | Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | The poster or brochure includes accurate, relevant, and complete information for the assigned category, as well as comparisons and contrasts with other categories. | The poster or brochure includes mostly accurate, relevant, and complete information for the assigned category, as well as some comparisons and contrasts with other categories. | The poster or brochure includes some accurate, relevant, and complete information for the assigned category but lacks comparisons and contrasts with other categories. | The poster or brochure includes little or no accurate, relevant, and complete information for the assigned category, and no comparisons and contrasts with other categories. |
| Organization | The poster or brochure is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and a logical sequence of information. | The poster or brochure is somewhat organized, with an introduction, body, and conclusion, and a mostly logical sequence of information. | The poster or brochure is poorly organized, with a vague introduction, body, and conclusion, and a confusing sequence of information. | The poster or brochure is not organized, with no introduction, body, or conclusion, and no sequence of information. |
| Presentation | The poster or brochure is visually appealing, with appropriate and effective use of images, charts, graphs, or diagrams, and a consistent and attractive layout, font, and color scheme. | The poster or brochure is visually pleasing, with mostly appropriate and effective use of images, charts, graphs, or diagrams, and a somewhat consistent and attractive layout, font, and color scheme. | The poster or brochure is visually bland, with some inappropriate or ineffective use of images, charts, graphs, or diagrams, and a lack of consistency and attractiveness in the layout, font, and color scheme. | The poster or brochure is visually unappealing, with no or inappropriate or ineffective use of images, charts, graphs, or diagrams, and a chaotic and unattractive layout, font, and color scheme. |
| Communication | The poster or brochure uses clear, concise, and correct language, with no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, and proper citation of sources. | The poster or brochure uses mostly clear, concise, and correct language, with few spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, and proper citation of sources. | The poster or brochure uses unclear, wordy, or incorrect language, with several spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, and improper citation of sources. | The poster or brochure uses incomprehensible, inappropriate, or incorrect language, with many spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, and no citation of sources. |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the Solar System WebQuest and learned a lot about the fascinating objects that orbit our sun. You have also developed your research, communication, and collaboration skills. To wrap up this activity, you will present your poster or brochure to the class and explain your findings. You will also reflect on the following questions:
• What did you enjoy most about this WebQuest?
• What did you find most challenging or difficult about this WebQuest?
• What did you learn from this WebQuest that you didn't know before?
• How will this WebQuest help you in your future studies or career?
Credits
• NASA Solar System Explorationhttps://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/archives/webquest.shtml: This website provides an overview of the solar system and its components, as well as the latest news, images, and videos from NASA's missions and discoveries.
• The Planetshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebQuest: This website offers detailed information and facts about each planet, as well as interactive features such as quizzes, games, and simulations.
• The Nine Planetshttps://www.edutopia.org/discussion/examples-webquests-science: This website provides a comprehensive tour of the solar system, with descriptions, pictures, and sounds of each planet and its moons.
• [Solar System Scope]: This website allows you to explore the solar system in 3D, with realistic models, animations, and sounds. You can also change the time, speed, and perspective of your view.
• [Space.com]: This website covers the latest news and stories about the solar system and beyond, as well as the science and technology behind space exploration.