Activities  StarDate in the Classroom  National Science Education Standards  Links
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	NSES Standards
	• Content Standard in 5-8 Earth and Space Science (Earth in the solar system) • Content Standard in 5-8 Science as Inquiry (Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry) • Content Standard in 5-8 Physical Science (Properties of objects and materials)

Materials
The StarDate Guide to the Solar System or other reference material on the solar system.

Activity
Split the class into small groups; each group researches one planet. Students in the group make a list showing the planet’s atmosphere, size, mass, distance from the Sun, geology and surface features, surface temperature, and moons. They also write a sentence describing something unique or striking about their planet — an impression.

Have one ambassador from each group join with ambassadors from other groups. Each group need not have exactly the same planet mix, but there should not be duplicates of a planet within a solar-system group. The ambassadors interview each other to exchange information and impressions.

Once they have shared their information, the ambassadors should consider how they could organize themselves. Some might want to arrange themselves in order of distance from the Sun. Others might notice that some planets are small and rocky and others large and gaseous. “Solar systems” may invent several organization schemes. They will note interesting or unexpected planetary features. For instance, Olympus Mons, a “super volcano” on Mars, seems odd. Have each system report to the class.

Hints: The results may vary if the mix of planets is different in each system. The teacher should help students sum up the results, noting similarities and differences among the schemes. Most planetary scientists organize planets into two divisions: terrestrial (like Earth) and Jovian (like Jupiter). Terrestrial planets are small and rocky with few or no moons, and they are close to the Sun. Jovian planets are gaseous giants with many moons, and are farther from the Sun. This activity works better if Pluto is not assigned to a group, as its characteristics are not similar to either type of planet. Pluto can be discussed later.

Extension
What planet or object should NASA choose for future human exploration? Ask the “Solar System” to choose a planet or moon. With pictures and text describing its features, design a spacesuit for the visit. For instance, Jupiter poses a serious challenge — it’s mostly high-pressure gas. What materials would the astronaut need to stay alive? How would the suit help the astronaut explore Jupiter? Would wings help?

Compare planets in our solar system to new extrasolar planets that astronomers have discovered.

For an up-to-date list of all extrasolar planets discovered to date, please visit California & Carnegie Planet Search or The Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia.