Our Solar System

By:

Debra Webb

Lesson Plan

Objective: Students will share with their partner how the planets compare and contrast.

California Standards:

3 ES 4.d.: Students know that the Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth.

3 IE 5.e.: Collect data in an investigation and analyze those data to develop a logical conclusion.

This lesson is designed to introduce the students to the solar system. Students have already filled out the first two sections oftheir KWL chart.

Our Solar SystemOur Solar System

The SunThe Sun

Closest StarMedium-Sized StarHot, glowing ball of gases

Closest StarMedium-Sized StarHot, glowing ball of gases

Mercury

Closest to Sun Smallest Planet Solid Rock-Like Material Rotation Period: 59 days Period of Revolution: 88 days No Moons

VenusVenus

Thick CloudsHottest PlanetSolid Rock-Like MaterialRotation Period: 243 days (Retrograde)

Period of Revolution: 224.7 days

No Moons

Thick CloudsHottest PlanetSolid Rock-Like MaterialRotation Period: 243 days (Retrograde)

Period of Revolution: 224.7 days

No Moons

EarthEarth

Oxygen, Liquid Water, Living Things

Solid Rock-Like MaterialRotation Period: 23 hours 56 minutes

Period of Revolution: 365.3 days

One Moon

Oxygen, Liquid Water, Living Things

Solid Rock-Like MaterialRotation Period: 23 hours 56 minutes

Period of Revolution: 365.3 days

One Moon

Mars

Appears Red/Frozen Water Solid Rock-Like Material Rotation Period: 24 Hours 37 Minutes Period of Revolution: 687 Days 2 Moons

The Inner Planets

What is the name of the closest star to Earth?

What planet is closest to the Sun? Which planet is the hottest? Compare and contrast the first four

planets.

JupiterJupiter

Largest Planet Red Spot 3 Rings Rotation Period: 9 hours 55 minutes Period of Revolution: 11.86 years 64 Moons

Largest Planet Red Spot 3 Rings Rotation Period: 9 hours 55 minutes Period of Revolution: 11.86 years 64 Moons

SaturnSaturn

Thousands of RingsRotation Period: 10 hours 40 minutes

Period of Revolution: 29.46 years

62 Moons

Thousands of RingsRotation Period: 10 hours 40 minutes

Period of Revolution: 29.46 years

62 Moons

UranusUranus

• Rotates Sideways• Rotation Period: 17.2 hours (Retrograde)

• Period of Revolution: 84 years

• 11 Rings• 27 Moons

NeptuneNeptune

Final Planet Giant Dark Spot 4 Rings Rotation Period: 16 hours 7 minutes Period of Revolution: 165 years 13 Moons

Final Planet Giant Dark Spot 4 Rings Rotation Period: 16 hours 7 minutes Period of Revolution: 165 years 13 Moons

The Outer Planets

• Which planet is the largest?

• Which planet is known for its rings?

• What is the last planet?

• How are the outer planets alike? How are they different?

Size Comparison

Things to PonderThings to Ponder

• If you could visit any planet, what would it be?

• Why would you want to go there?

• What do you think you would see there?

• Draw a picture of your favorite planet.

• If you could visit any planet, what would it be?

• Why would you want to go there?

• What do you think you would see there?

• Draw a picture of your favorite planet.

Conclusion

Future Activities:

• Webquest

• Astronomy Packet

• Test