TRACKSTAR Web Site “Sizing Up the Solar System”
Astronomy Games QuickLinks
Learning Games for Kids – Space Games
Here is a video that we watched in class to explore the basic facts of the Solar System! You can learn some cool information about each of the 8 planets! Use this video to complete your Interesting Facts chart in your packet. Click on the picture to watch!
Check out this link to compare the planets
PLANET SIZE COMPARISON
We have begun our study of the planets in our Solar System. Earth is one of the eight planets in our solar system as defined by the International Astronomical Union. In your studies you will learn the current definition of the word planet, and why Pluto is no longer considered a planet, but now rather, a dwarf planet. Below is a basic outline of what we are studying. For this unit we will be focusing on the TrackStar web-based activities and the Planet Creation Project. Links to these sites are under PROJECT RESOURCES on the right aside of this web page.
Outline for The Solar System
- Planets orbit the Sun at different distances.
Planets have different sizes and distances. Distances – How far from the sun, and its effects on temperatures Orbits – periods of revolution
- The solar system formed from a swirling cloud of gas and dust.
Nebula
- The inner solar system has rocky planets.
The terrestrial planets have rocky crusts. 1. Processes and Surface Features 2. Atmospheres Craters cover the surface of Mercury. Volcanoes shape the surface of Venus. Erosion changes the appearance of Mars. 1. Surface of Mars 2. Gases and Water on Mars
- The outer solar system has four giant planets.
The gas giants have very deep atmospheres. Jupiter is a world of storms and clouds. Saturn has large rings. Uranus and Neptune are extremely cold.