Planets in our Solar System
Project Research Assignment
Guidelines
Planet Research Project – this is an in-class group iPad/computer project. Your group will be researching details of an assigned planet and compiling the information as a Google Presentation. After, your group will present the most important details about your planet to the class. As a class, we will be compiling the details of each planet and then performing comparative analysis of the planets in our solar system.
Project Sequence:
* If you are assigned Mercury, Venus, or Mars: you are required to add many more content, photos, and captions for full credit. Why? Students researching gas giant planets have more work to do than you. They have to write about more moons and rings!
Helpful Links for Research
Curious about Astronomy? Ask an Astronomer- There is an archive of questions students like you have asked real astronomers and the chance to get your own questions answered. They also have an impressive list of favorite astronomy sites to visit.
Discovery Education - You need to create a free account to access resources and images to make your presentation pop.
Nine Planets - This site offers introductions to the nine planets, their satellites and other Solar System objects, including asteroids, comets and Kuiper Belt Objects.
JPL Planets – This site will be useful for our planet research project. It includes the important data for each planet.
NASA Solar System – This site will also be useful for our planet research project. It includes the important data for each planet and more.
Enchanted Learning Astronomy – Great site for simple planetary data that is very kid friendly. This site also has some good images to use with your presentation
Planet Symbols from NASA - Symbols of all the planets. MOST IMPORTANTLY, there is an explanation of the symbols at the bottom of the page.
NASA’s Celestial Exploration – Planets are listed on the left, click your planet for quick data.
NASA’s Worldbook – Click on your planet from the list for some great information.
Windows to the Universe – Contains information on all planets.
National Geographic Virtual Solar System - Not a lot of information but a very cool site! Some features only work on a PC.
Kids Astronomy – Kid friendly planet data.
Your Weight On Another Planet - Type in 100lbs. and select your planet to get the answer!
NASA’s Photojournal - Tons of pictures for your presentation!
Astronomical Distance Converter 5th graders; You asked for it here it is!!