Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of the solar system and its components.
Materials and Prep
Materials needed: Pen, paper, computer with internet access.
Prior knowledge: Basic understanding of the planets in our solar system.
Activities
- Create a Scale Model: Research the sizes and distances of the planets in our solar system and create a scale model on paper. Use a scale like 1 cm = 1,000 km.
- Planet Fact Sheets: Choose three planets and create fact sheets for each. Include information like size, distance from the sun, number of moons, and any interesting facts.
- Solar System Quiz: Test your knowledge with a fun quiz about the solar system. Include questions about the order of the planets, their characteristics, and any recent discoveries.
Talking Points
- The Sun: "The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. It provides light and heat to all the planets."
- Planets: "There are eight planets in our solar system. They orbit the Sun in a specific order based on their distance from it."
- Mercury: "Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and is known for its extreme temperature variations."
- Mars: "Mars is often called the 'Red Planet' due to its reddish appearance. It has the largest volcano and canyon in the solar system."
- Moons: "Many planets have moons that orbit around them. Earth has one moon, while Jupiter has over 70!"