Standard Indicators 6.3.1, Destination: Solar System

Transcription

1 Standard Indicators 6.3.1, Destination: Solar System Purpose Students will compare and contrast the size, composition, and surface features of the planets that comprise the solar system, and describe that the Earth is mostly rock, that three-fourths of its surface is covered by a relatively thin layer of water, and that the entire planet is surrounded by a relatively thin blanket of air. Materials For the teacher: chalk, chalkboard For each student: copy of Black Line Masters (BLMs) Earth Brochure and Earth Brochure II For each group of students: research materials on planets, paper, markers Activity A. Pre-Activity Preparation Make a front-to-back copy of the BLMs Earth Brochure and Earth Brochure II for each student. B. Pre-Activity Discussion 1. Ask students: What is the order of planets in the solar system, starting from the sun? 2. List students answers on the chalkboard. 3. Ask students: How would you describe the physical characteristics of Earth, compared to other planets in the solar system? 4. Distribute a copy of the BLM Earth Brochure to each student, and explain that it is a brochure advertising the planet Earth as a vacation destination. 5. Show students how each part of the brochure advertises and informs the reader about Earth s size, composition, and surface features. Discuss the information with the class. 6. Tell the students that they will create travel brochures, advertising the other planets in the solar system as travel destinations. connecting across the curriculum Mathematics Instruct students to find the average distance between each planet, and have them convert the distances to a smaller scale. [Students will find that even on a small scale, Pluto might still be about 5 miles from the sun.] extending THE ACTIVITY Have students brainstorm ways they could create 3-D models of the solar system, showing the planets in orbit. Guide students in carrying out their plans for their models. Standard 3 C. Activity 1. Divide students into eight groups, and assign a planet to each group. [Note: There is current debate on whether or not Pluto is actually a planet.] (continued) Standards Links 6.2.7, page 91

2 Activity (continued) 2. Direct students to use the Earth Brochure as a guideline for making their own travel brochures. 3. Tell students they must include information about the planet s composition, size, and surface features on the brochure. 4. Tell students they also must be creative with their brochures. Explain that they do not have to sell their planets from a human s point of view (e.g., Mercury s extreme temperatures would not allow any known Earth organism to survive, therefore the brochure might not be for an Earth organism). 5. Instruct students to research their planets and brainstorm ideas for their brochures. 6. Distribute paper and decorating materials to each group to use when creating their brochures. You can also encourage students to use a computer program to create their brochures. Standard 3 D. Wrapping It Up 1. Provide a copy of each brochure to each group in the class. 2. Allow students time to read and discuss each brochure. 3. Have students compare the compositions of each planet, including Earth. Discuss how most of the planets are either rocky or gaseous in composition, while Earth and Pluto are composed of water, rock, and other elements. 4. Ask students: What comparisons can you make in size? What differences can you find? 5. Discuss in detail the composition of Earth and its atmosphere and how it relates to that of the other planets. Classroom Assessment Basic Concepts and Processes At the conclusion of the activity, ask the students questions, such as the following: How does [insert planet] orbit the sun? Which planets have similar compositions? Compare and contrast Earth to the other planets in terms of size, composition, and surface features. How did you decide to make your brochure the way you did? Did you run into any problems while researching your planet? page 92

3 LOCATION AND MAP Located between Venus and Mars, Earth is the third planet from the sun, in the Milky Way. EARTH Call - -YES-EARTH to book your reservations! WHY IS EARTH GENERAL EARTH INFORMATION Earth s size/diameter:, km (, miles) Mean distance from our sun:,, km (,, miles) Carbon-based organisms live on almost every inch of the planet. The sun influences temperature and climate on Earth. Visit Earth! What other planet would you want to be on? THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM? Visit and find out for yourself!

4 Earth Brochure Teacher Directions Use the BLMs Earth Brochure and Earth Brochure II to make a two-sided copy for each student. Distribute the two-sided BLMs and direct students to fold the sheets into brochures. Discuss Earth s physical features and tell students to use the BLM as a guide in making their own brochures. Answer Key Brochures will vary. General information on each planet might include the following: Mercury Diameter: 4,878 km (3,031 miles) Composition and Surface: purple-gray rocky planet, craters, atmosphere of oxygen and helium Venus Diameter: 12,104 km (7,521 miles) Composition and Surface: yellow-brown rocky surface; atmosphere of CO 2 and nitrogen Mars Diameter: 6,787 km (4,217 miles) Composition and Surface: red, rocky planet, covered with dust; has largest volcano, Olympus Mons Jupiter Diameter: 142,800 km (88,730 miles) Composition and Surface: whitish-orange gaseous planet, possible liquid hydrogen surface; red spot visible Saturn Diameter: 120,540 km (74,900 miles) Composition and Surface: orange-brown gaseous planet; no known solid surface; has thin system of rings made of pieces of ice and dust Uranus Diameter: 51,118 km (31,763 miles) Composition and Surface: greenish, gaseous planet with no known solid surface Neptune Diameter: 49,528 km (30,775 miles) Composition and Surface: bluish, gaseous planet with no known solid surface Pluto Diameter: 2,300 km (1,429 miles) Composition and Surface: orange-brown planet of water and methane ice Black Line Master 1 page 94

5 Consider Earth as your next vacation destination! We have the largest known supply of water in the solar system. Our atmosphere is a thin layer of air, rich in oxygen and nitrogen. It covers the whole planet! The average temperature here is degrees Fahrenheit (. degrees Celsius) You can play on land (Earth is mostly rock), or at sea! ( / of Earth is covered with water!) Whether you are looking for a cold, dry tundra or a tropical island, Earth is the place to find it! HISTORY: The history of Earth s beginnings is quite controversial! Many believe that Earth formed about five to six billion years ago, after the solar system was formed. Earth s scientists theorize that life appeared in the Earth s bodies of water (oceans) about four billion years ago. Soon after, more life forms appeared! Now, Earth has a very unique and diverse group of life forms on land and in its waters. ATTRACTIONS: The Seas: Sail around the world! Explore the islands and whale watch! Africa: Visit the ancient pyramids of Egypt or go on safari in the African jungles! Antarctica: Known as the coldest continent on the planet, you will find seals, penguins, and glaciers here. Build an ice house and enjoy your unique experience! Asia: From China, to India, to Russia, you will experience the beauty and history of these very different cultures. Australia: Experience life down under, and take a walk on the wild side. Watch the kangaroos, mate! Europe: Whether it s Italy, Spain, or France, you will appreciate the beautiful art and architecture of these countries. North America: Canada or America? Visit both, at Niagara Falls! South America: Have you ever been to a rainforest? Learn why rainforests are valuable ecosystems on Earth.

6 Earth Brochure II Teacher Directions Use the BLMs Earth Brochure and Earth Brochure II, to make a two-sided copy for each student. Distribute the two-sided BLMs, and direct students to fold the sheets into brochures. Discuss Earth s physical features, and tell students to use the BLM as a guide in making their own brochures. Answer Key Not applicable. Black Line Master 2 page 96