About this trail:
Welcome, today you are going to embark on a journey through our Solar System. Our Solar System consists of everything that Orbits our star, the Sun. The Sun keeps all the things around it in orbit by its gravitational pull. Your mission today is to explore the eight planets that are part of our Solar System. Use your knowledge to explore the unique characteristics about some of them. Enjoy the ride. Are you ready for take off? 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directions:
1. Click on the trail (the page will pop open along with several questions)
2. On a separate sheet of paper record all your answers.
3. When you are finish with that particular question click on the arrow located on the question box.
4. Repeat the process until you conclude your mission.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Science (Earth and Space)
Grade: 5th
URL: http://trailfire.com/Crist/trailview/67164
Earth and Space Science Standards:
¨ Know that objects in space have identifiable characteristics (e.g., appearance, location, and apparent motion).
· Compare and contrast characteristics of the planets.
· Know that objects in space have identifiable characeristics, such as appearance, location, and apparent motion.
Trail link: http://trailfire.com/Crist/trails/67164
Summary: http://trailfire.com/Crist/trailview/67164
Summary: http://trailfire.com/Crist/trailview/67164
0
0
Tags
Similar Trails
1
All the planets in our solar system share great similarities. But as we know, there are various things that makes each planet unique. The most amazing fact is that our planet, Earth, is rather small in comparison to everything else in our solar system, impressive! Now, explore all there is in our solar system. Enjoy!
1. List all the planets in order from the Sun
2. Describe the main differences between Jovian and terrestrial planets?
Challenge Question:
Using the materials provided, create a model that resembles the distance from the earth to the sun.
Needs for this project:
large paper, clay, and a partner
Follow these steps:
1. make a clay ball 1 centimeter ( or 3/8 in) wide for earth
2. The Sun is about 108 time wider. Cut out a circle 108 centimeters (or 43 inches) wide
3. The Sun is about 150 million Kilometers (93 million miles) from earth. place them 383 feet apart. (Tip: take steps that measure 1 meter= 12 centimeters.
1. List all the planets in order from the Sun
2. Describe the main differences between Jovian and terrestrial planets?
Challenge Question:
Using the materials provided, create a model that resembles the distance from the earth to the sun.
Needs for this project:
large paper, clay, and a partner
Follow these steps:
1. make a clay ball 1 centimeter ( or 3/8 in) wide for earth
2. The Sun is about 108 time wider. Cut out a circle 108 centimeters (or 43 inches) wide
3. The Sun is about 150 million Kilometers (93 million miles) from earth. place them 383 feet apart. (Tip: take steps that measure 1 meter= 12 centimeters.
2
As you can see now, Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. This means that it is rather hard to spot Mercury in our sky. The only time when you might be able to see this planet from earth is at twilight, just after Sunset, or immediately after Sunrise. Neat ! Lets see what else you can spot!
1. Explain the reason why Mercury get so cold even though is the closes planet to the Sun.
2. How many day does Mercury take to revolve around the Sun? Convert your answer to weeks.
Challenge Question:
Does Mercury revolve faster or slower than the Earth? Explain your reasoning behind your answer.
1. Explain the reason why Mercury get so cold even though is the closes planet to the Sun.
2. How many day does Mercury take to revolve around the Sun? Convert your answer to weeks.
Challenge Question:
Does Mercury revolve faster or slower than the Earth? Explain your reasoning behind your answer.
3
Venus is also know as Earth's Sister planet. Though is very similar in size, there are may characteristics that sets them apart. The Temperature on Venus rises about 867 F., and the heavy layers of cloud makes the air pressure on the surface about 100 times that of Earth. Spacecrafts sent to Venus have lasted only a few hours after arriving at the surface.
1. List 3 characteristics that describes Venus' surface.
2. Is the rotation of Venus the same as the other planets in the Solar System? What is the difference? (hint: click on "More information on the Planet Venus" to find the answer).
Challenge Question:
In your own words, describe what you see in the image below? what do the mountain like images look like to you?
1. List 3 characteristics that describes Venus' surface.
2. Is the rotation of Venus the same as the other planets in the Solar System? What is the difference? (hint: click on "More information on the Planet Venus" to find the answer).
Challenge Question:
In your own words, describe what you see in the image below? what do the mountain like images look like to you?
4
Apart from any other planet, Earth is the only planet that carries life. There are many characteristics that set Earth apart from the rest, as we well know. But our focus is not going to be on earth but Earth's natural satellite. Can you guess what we call it? The moon, is our own natural satellite, it orbits our planet much like one. Take a look!
1. What major phenomena does the earth produce on Earth?
2. Explain the reason for craters on the moon's surface.
Challenge Question:
Click on the tab that says "Gallery" and view some of the pictures of the moon.
1. What major phenomena does the earth produce on Earth?
2. Explain the reason for craters on the moon's surface.
Challenge Question:
Click on the tab that says "Gallery" and view some of the pictures of the moon.
5
This is the fourth planet from the sun. Of all the planets, it is the one that most resembles the Earth, and is sometimes called the "Red planet." Its name was given by ancient Romans for the god of war. Its color comes from the large amount of iron oxide (rust) in its soil.
1. Can you name the planet's name?
2. Explain what the surface of the planet looks like to you?
1. Can you name the planet's name?
2. Explain what the surface of the planet looks like to you?
6
As you already know, Mar is one of the planets that most resembles Earth. We share many similarities like, the existence of volcanoes, mountains, ice caps, and the planet even has an atmosphere.
3. What is the surface of mars like?
4. Give three reasons why it would be dangerous for a human to live on Mars
5. Is there some form of life in this planet?
Challenge question:
Pretend you are about to go on a vacation to Mars. What would be some items that would be important and necessary for you to bring with you? explain how this items would be helpful.
3. What is the surface of mars like?
4. Give three reasons why it would be dangerous for a human to live on Mars
5. Is there some form of life in this planet?
Challenge question:
Pretend you are about to go on a vacation to Mars. What would be some items that would be important and necessary for you to bring with you? explain how this items would be helpful.
7
Jupiter is called the "King Planet" because is the largest planet in our Solar System. It is so massive that more than 1,300 earths would fit in it. Did you know that Jupiter is very easy to spot with a telescope? Yes, this is true, not for its size, but because the planet shines brighter than any star in the universe. Only the moon and Jupiter are brighter. Lets see how bright you are! Explore this website to find more about this giant.
1. Jupiter has many moons that revolve around it. Name the four Galilean moons and explain where they received this name.
2. You may click on this image to enlarge the picture. In your own words, what the orange like spot looks like to you? (hint: is a weather phenomena that earth a well).
Challenge Question:
What would happen to you if you were to land in Jupiter? (hint: remember that the planet's pressure is strong)
1. Jupiter has many moons that revolve around it. Name the four Galilean moons and explain where they received this name.
2. You may click on this image to enlarge the picture. In your own words, what the orange like spot looks like to you? (hint: is a weather phenomena that earth a well).
Challenge Question:
What would happen to you if you were to land in Jupiter? (hint: remember that the planet's pressure is strong)
8
As you can see, Saturn is a very unique planet as well. It is known for the huge and amazing rings. To your amazement, you can easily see three of Saturn's rings through a telescope right from your own planet Earth. Apart from its rings, Saturn holds its record for the planet that has the largest number of moons. See what else you can explore and learn about this particular planet. Open the blue tabs on this website to further your exploration(those that say Overview, Moons, Rings...) Enjoy!
1. Explain why it is impossible for life in Saturn?
2. Name the Solar System's second largest moon?
3. What characteristics make this planet unique from the rest? Name three.
Challenge Question:
(Locate the tab that is titled "Rings" to answer this question.)
Describe what Saturn's rings are made out of and how they formed.
1. Explain why it is impossible for life in Saturn?
2. Name the Solar System's second largest moon?
3. What characteristics make this planet unique from the rest? Name three.
Challenge Question:
(Locate the tab that is titled "Rings" to answer this question.)
Describe what Saturn's rings are made out of and how they formed.
9
Uranus is one of the Jovian planets of the Solar System. Is a rather unusual planet, instead of spinning like a top as the other planets do, Uranus rolls like a barrel.
1. Explain the reason why Uranus is so cold.
2. why is it difficult for scientist to further study Uranus?
Challenge Question:
Compare and contrast Uranus to Mars. What are the differences?
1. Explain the reason why Uranus is so cold.
2. why is it difficult for scientist to further study Uranus?
Challenge Question:
Compare and contrast Uranus to Mars. What are the differences?
10
At last! You have arrived to the last planet of our Solar System, the eighth planet. Be very careful now, this planet is known for having one of the most violent weather systems known. When the second aircraft flew by in 1989, it experienced winds around 1,240 mph. Enjoy, but keep save. Our return to Earth will be in around 3 hours for a 4,347,470,000 km fly.
1. Where does Neptune get its color from?
2. Guess how much would you weigh on Neptune? Then, check your answer below.
Challenge Question:
Why do you think that Neptune is also known as Uranus' Twin? Explain.
1. Where does Neptune get its color from?
2. Guess how much would you weigh on Neptune? Then, check your answer below.
Challenge Question:
Why do you think that Neptune is also known as Uranus' Twin? Explain.
