Exploring the Solar System

Introduction

Hello Space students!
  NASA has appointed each of you to be the lead scientists on a mission to the Moon!  
You are split up into different space shuttles so that each group will land on
 a different quarter of the Moon to research. 
But on the way back to Earth......the lead shuttle rockets out of control causing every group to land on different unknown planets! 
 It is your responsibility to figure out what planet your group is on by exploring your surroundings and get back to Earth by contacting the 
space station to get directions from your planet!

Let's get going on our research to figure out where in the universe we are!

Task
Alright, class, here we go! 
You have all been put into groups of four, which is your space mission research team.  
Throughout this experience I will need each of you to work hard and fast as each of you are critical to the survival of your entire team! You have limited space food and supplies for you and your team to last  on your unknown planet.  
You must figure out which planet you are on and contact the NASA space
 station for directions so that you make it back to Earth in time!   




Your Team Task
As a team, you will need to figure out what planet you are on by yourobservations of your surroundings. 
 After you have made it back to Earth safely with the help of your teammates and the NASA space station, you will need to research more about the planet that you unexpectedly landed on. 
 Each team member will be responsible for certain characteristics of the planet.
  You need to decide which member will be in charge of each part of the research assignment. 
NASA is expecting a fantastic presentation, so work hard to impress!  
Team Member 1:  
You are in charge of learning about the atmosphere of the planet, what gases or other materials exist in the atmosphere, and any terrestrial features.

Team Member 2:
You are to research the amount of moons the planet has, if any, their names, and any other important information about them.  You are also to research the amount of rings the planet has, if any, and how big the planet is in kilometers or miles.

Team Member 3:
You are in charge of researching the planet's distance from the Sun, how long it takes for one full rotation on its axis, and how long one year is on that planet.

Team Member 4:
Your job is to find any interesting characteristics of the planet that make it unique and identifiable as compared to other planets.
Process

You have now been assigned a group and a member task.  Now this is where the adventure starts! Follow the directions below to begin your journey as an astronaut research team!


Step One

Below you will find some characteristics of your planet that should lead you to your identification of the planet.  You can then contact the space station with your location and get started on your trip home to Earth! 


Group 1

Just before landing on your unknown planet, you notice that it appears to be red.  While there you find a volcano bigger than any other volcano in the universe and have trouble walking on its rocky surface.

Group 2

You notice as you look around that there are several beautiful rings circling the planet.  It is made up of gases and you weigh much less than on Earth because of how lightweight this planet is.

Group 3
When you were landing on your planet, you notice it is a pretty blue colour.  As you look around your planet you notice that there is a great white cloud moving around at a fast speed and it is very windy all around you.  

Group 4

When you land on your planet, you see that it is very colourful but has a huge red spot on it.  While you try to figure out where you are, it is hard to concentrate because of the crazy stormy weather. 

 

Group 5

You notice when you look around there are many volcanoes and mountains on this planet and it is very hot!

Group 6

You notice on approach to this planet that it appears to be spinning on its side

 

Group 7

This planet appears to be ‘wrinkled’ and you notice how hot this planet is! 

 

For help in discovering which planet you landed on, click the links below and explore!! 
Click here for information about every planet in the solar system!Click here to find out if the planet you landed on might be Mars!Now that you have figured out what planet you landed on and safely got your entire research team back to Earth, you all have been given the high-appointed task by NASA to conduct formal research over the planet you just returned from.  Each member has already been assigned a specific task and a particular set of research to contribute to the team's presentation. 

  • Poster Board
  • Powerpoint
  • Dramatic Presentationon (Acting out your experience)

 This link below will help you in finding the best pictures and ideas for creativity for your presentation over your planet! Click here for information to explore all of the planets! And any other props or ideas you come up with to present your information will be great! Work hard as a team to create the most exciting presentation NASA will ever see! Most of all, HAVE FUN!!!

Evaluation

Assessment Rubric

 

Team and Individual Achievements

 

 

Possible Points

 

Points Earned

Did the team work cooperatively and every individual do his/her share of investigation? (Will reflect off of the peer   evaluation)

 

 

 

 

20

 

Did the team accurately identify their planet?

 

 

20

 

Did the individual conduct full research on his/her part of the presentation?

 

 

 

20

 

Was the presentation well prepared?

 

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Points

 

 

80

 


Conclusion

Great Job Astronauts!
Because of your great efforts and amazing teamwork, you successfully made it safely back to Earth with all of your research from the Moon!  NASA will be so impressed with your research and presentations of your planet!  Who knows? They may even hire you as a full-time research astronaut someday! You have all learned so much about the Solar System from your success through this Webquest, and we will continue to learn together as we continue with fun activities in the classroom!

Credits