Comparing our Planets

Comparing Size and Distance in the Solar System by Bill Nye
Go to OMG science link and play around to get more information about each planet.

Science Activity

Pick a partner(s) and get your assigned planet. Use the information below, plus the diameter of the model Sun chosen by the class, to determine the size of their planet and orbit radius for the model.

Below is an example calculation to determine the size of the model Earth, when using a 12-inch diameter Sun:

(Earth’s diameter / Sun’s diameter) * x inch model Sun diameter =
(12,742 km / 1,391,900 km) * 12-inches =
Answer: The diameter of the model Earth will be 0.1099 inches.

After finding your calculations for your model, fill in the chart on the Science board.
Challenge: As a class determine the distance between each planet in your models.



Research your planets, including their composition, atmosphere, orbit length, presence (or absence) of moons and any additional information, and prepare to present what you've learned during the final building of the model.


Solar System Model

Welcome to Solar Systems

Below are videos that will help you understand our solar system and how it stays together.
After each topic are questions for you to answer in your science journal. For homework, take notes while you watch and do a rough draft of your answers to be prepared for the next class.  
During the next class time, you will have time to revise and edit your answers. Write the date & topic as your header. Type & paste or rewrite the answers in complete sentences with neat handwriting in your science journal.

WHAT IS GRAVITY?

What is Gravity? by MinutePhysics

What is Gravity?

Science Journal Questions

1. In your own words, explain gravity. Why is it important? (attraction, mass, force, energy, gravitational force)
2. What did Newton discover? Explain.

GRAVITY & ORBITAL MOTION

Why the solar system can exist. by MinutePhysics

Doesn't the Moon Fall Down?

Science Journal Questions:

1. How does the earth stay in orbit around the sun? How is inertia part of this explanation?
2. Why is it important to have a 3 dimensional universe?
3. What would happen if we didn't have a stable orbit?
4. Why doesn't the moon fall down? What would happen if the moon moved faster? slower?

COMETS, ASTEROIDS and METEORS

Comets, Asteroids and Meteors. Oh My!: watch 1 & 2

Asteroids and Meteors: watch all 6 videos

Science Journal Questions:

1. What is the difference between an asteroid, comet, meteor, and meteorite?
2. What are comets made of and when does it have a tail? What did Newton discover about comets?
3. What do you think would be the best way to deflect an asteroid headed for Earth and why?