Students will be able to obtain and communicate information to model and compare the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors). 8.E.4B.1
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 208-223.
Discussion Topics
1. 😱What if Earth suddenly became completely uninhabitable and the human race had to leave Earth forever? 🤔What planet in our Solar System would you rather go to? ATTACH an image and explain why using THREE or more specific characteristics about the planet you choose and at least TWO difficult aspects of living there would be using the content knowledge resources provided during this module to support your answers.
2. What is your favorite planet? Explain why using specific details from the content knowledge resources provided during this module.
2. What is your favorite planet? Explain why using specific details from the content knowledge resources provided during this module.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 5) Creation
Create a science lesson for middle school students that accurately demonstrates the characteristics and movements of all 8 planets in our Solar System. |
Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
- Accurately draw and describe the difference between rotation and revolution for a 5th grade student.
- Create an original acronym to help remember the planets of our Solar System in order.
- Take the Solar System quiz online using this online resource.
- Complete the planets Quizlet set.
(Level 2) Application
- Complete the Solar System Exploration WebQuest using this webpage.
- Complete the Solar System Book using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Complete the Solar System Analysis Google Form.
(Level 3) Analysis
- Complete A Day on Earth SEPUP modeling activity and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete Where in the Solar System Am I? SEPUP investigation and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete Drawing the Solar System SEPUP modeling activity and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete How Big are the Planets? SEPUP project and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Using the planetary data table below answer each of the following questions:
- Order the planets from least to greatest mass. Describe any patterns you observe.
- Order the planets from greatest to least in diameter. Describe any patterns you observe.
- Order the planets from least to greatest period of revolution. Describe any patterns you observe.
- Order the planets from least to greatest orbital velocity. Describe any patterns you observe.
- Order the planets from greatest to least period of rotation. Describe any patterns you observe.
- Order the planets from least to greatest density. Describe any patterns you observe.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- Using 8 characteristics or more determine which planet in our Solar System would be the least habitable for humans. Using 2 characteristics or more determine which planet other than Earth would be the most habitable for humans.
- Solar System Scroll - In this activity, students will predict the scale of our Solar System and the distance between planets, then check their answers using fractions.
- Scientists say Earth is spinning faster than it has in decades according to this article. If this is true explain how this would impact Earth in the future using 2 or more specific details between 50-75 words.
(Level 5) Creation
- Create a model of the Solar System using playdough by following these assignment instructions.
- Create a science lesson for middle school students that accurately demonstrates the characteristics and movements of all 8 planets in our Solar System.
Lab Exploration
Additional Explorations
- What are 4 or more factors that affect the appearance of impact craters?
- Planetary motions around the Sun can be predicted using Kepler's three empirical laws, which can be explained based on Newton's' theory of gravity.
- Research and summarize what Kepler's three empirical laws are and what Newton's theory of gravity is.
- What is the likelihood that Earth will be struck by a large object form space?
- What might be the outcome of such as collision?
- Research historical impacts as well as predict the results of future impacts.
- What do scientists currently do to identify these objects?
- What might we be able to do to avoid such collisions?
- Research dwarf planets and argue from scientific information as to whether or not this new classification is needed.
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Analyze and interpret data to compare the properties of Earth and other planets (including composition, density, surface expression of tectonics, climate, and conditions necessary for life).
- Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and features of the Moon to support claims that it is unique among other moons in the Solar System in its effects on the planet it orbits.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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