The Solar System        

Introduction

The nine planets of our solar system are our closest neighbors in the universe.  Although each planet is unique, they have some characteristics in common.  Your challenge will be to find out important information about each of the planets in our solar system and then report your findings to the rest of your classmates.

During your explorations, you will examine Web-based material about each planet.  It is important that you take accurate notes during your trips to the other planets so you can report them accurately.  When your journeys are finished, you will create a brief PowerPoint presentation to share your findings with the rest of the world.  

Choose one of the following topics:

How to Save an Image from the Internet

The Project

Slide 1 - Title Slide

• This slide should include:
  • Project title
  • Name of the student(s) who worked on the project
  • You may include a graphic that is related to your topic

Slide 2 - Facts

• This slide should give 2 or 3 facts about your topic, for example:
  • What is the planet's relative size & distance from the Sun?
  • Approximately how long would it take to travel to the planet?
  • How long does it take for this planet to orbit the sun?
• Include a graphic related to your facts

Slide 3 - More Facts

• More fascinating facts about your topic
  • In what ways - if any - is the planet similar to Earth?
  • For example, does the planet have an atmosphere, and if so, is it composed of the same gases as the Earth's atmosphere?
  • Does the planet have weather?
  • Is the surface solid?
• Include a graphic related to your facts.

Slide 4 - What's so special About ___________ ?

• In what ways is the planet unique in our Solar System?
• How easily could this planet be adapted for human habitation?

Slide 5 - Bibliography

• List the sources you used to get your information and pictures.
• To cite files available for viewing/downloading from the World Wide Web, give the author's name (if know, the full title of the work (in quotation marks), the title of the complete work, if applicable (in italics), the full URL, the date of the visit to the Web site.  See the following example:

1. California Institute of Technology, "Mercury", Welcome to the Planets, http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/welcome/mercury.htm, November 22, 2001.

Solar System Resources!

	Tour the Solar System and Beyond
	The Nine Planets - Just for Kids
	ikoala solar system
	Astronomy for Kids
	Windows to the Universe
	Cosmic Quest - Field Guide to the Universe - Our Solar System
	Our Solar System - UCAR
	A Space Library - JPL's simulated views of the solar system, maps and more
	Welcome to the Planets - collection of images from NASA
	Planetary Tour
	Exploring the Planets
	Browse the Solar System - USGS
	A Virtual Journey into the Universe
	NASAKIDS
	NASA's Planetary Photojournal - search for photos