Is Earth the Only Planet?

 

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Introduction:

Do you know the name of the 9 planets in the galaxy called the Milky Way? You will visit the various planets using the internet in order to answer the question; "Why is Earth the Only Planet You Can Live On?"

 

The Task:

You will visit all 9 planets in order to find specific information. You will learn the order of the planets from the Sun. After gathering data on the individual planets, you will write or type a paper with conclusions you have drawn to answer the question - Why is Earth the Only Planet You Can Live On?

Further research will be done on a specific planet of your choice. You will then create a multimedia stack/slideshow on the planet you chose in order to present it to your classmates.

Along the way you will be able to enjoy some interactive games as a way to find information and review facts you have learned.


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The Process:

At the computer:

Read all directions for each part before you click.

Print out the data sheet you will need to complete while you are collecting data.
(make sure you change the Page Setup to Landscape and change the scale to 90%)

Print out the instructions
(make sure you change the Page Setup to Landscape and change the scale to 90%)
(after print instructions, click on Back )

Instructions
Part 1

  1. Click on Planets.
  2. The to hear any pages at this site read to you.
  3. You should begin with Mercury.
  4. Record the necessary information on the data sheet for each planet. You will only fill in the first five columns for each planet at this time.
  5. Scroll down to the bottom of each page. Read the question and try to answer it.  Click The Answer to check your own answer.
  6. When you have finished gathering data on a planet, click the back button to choose another planet.
  7. Continue until you have found the information on all nine planets.

Instructions
Part 2

  1. Click on Where, Or Where Does That Little Planet Go?
  2. Put the correct number of the orbit pattern that belongs to each planet in the box under the planet's name.
  3. Click on Check Me to check your answers after you have completed all 9 planets.
  4. Print you answers.
  5. Click on the Back Button twice in Netscape's Toolbar.
  6. Scroll down to Part 3.

Instructions
Part 3

Find out your age on another planet.

  1. Click on How Old Would I Be?
  2. Fill in your birth date and age information.
  3. Click on each planet to find out what your age would be on that planet.
  4. Record the information on your planet data survey.
  5. Click on the Back Button in Netscape's Toolbar.
  6. Scroll down to Part 4.

Instructions
Part 4

How much would you weigh on another planet? The gravity on other planets differs from here on earth.

  1. Print How To Calculate Your Weight On Another Planet.
  2. Click on the Back button.
  3. Complete your Planet Data Survey using the math formula given on how to calculate your weight on another planet in your classroom.
  4. Scroll down to Part 5.

Instructions
Part 5

  1. Choose a planet or the Sun that you wish to do further research on.
  2. Print the questions, you will need to answer on your planet research.
  3. Click on Back.
  4. Click on Windows to the Universe.
  5. Click on the planet you chose
  6. Click on beginner.
  7. Answer the questions.

Instructions
Part 6

Create a multimedia presentation on the planet of your choice.

 

In the classroom:

  1. After you complete Instructions, Part 1

    Write or type a paper and answer the question, "Why is Earth the Only Planet I Can Live On?"
  2. After you complete Instructions, Part 4:

    Find out what your weight would be on each planet by using the math formula on sheet that you printed, "How To Calculate Your Weight on Another Planet" Find out the gravity of each planet by looking at the Planet Date Survey sheet you printed out at the beginning. Record your answers on your data survey sheet.
  3. After you complete Instructions, Part 5:

    Design a multimedia presentation on the planet you chose.

 

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Resources:

Planet Data Survey
Where, Oh Where Does That Little Planet Go?
How Old Would I Be?
Planets
Windows to the Universe

Additional resources not already cited:

http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/Space
Spacey Things to Make
Interesting and fun things to do

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Evaluation:

Planet Data Survey
Written essay to answer the question - Why Earth is the Only Planet I Can Live On?
Intergalactic Scavenger Hunt
How Much Would I Weigh?
Where, Oh Where Does That Little Planet Go?
Planet Research Questions
Multimedia Presentation (see rubric)

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Conclusion:

After researching various websites to complete a worksheet, students will understand why they can only live on planet Earth.

Students will also have a knowledge of some of the various characteristics of each planet and the Sun in the solar system through the multimedia presentations they created.

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Is Earth the Only Planet Web Quest was designed and researched by Kathi Ganong, Technology Assistant at Johnson Street Elementary (Guilford County Schools), in High Point , NC

GCS WebQuests