All about Planets                           

A WebQuest for 3-5 (Science)

Designed by Erica Clark

INTRODUCTION          TASK   SOURCES         PROCESS         GUIDANCE      CONCLUSION

 

INTRODUCTION: Join us for a voyage to outer space. You are an astronaut going on an expedition to the planets. You will travel from planet to planet collecting information that will help you in completing this WebQuest. You will also discover comets and read about them. So, start counting from 10 to 0 and let the adventure begin. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,2, 1, blast off!

TASK: You will gather information, that you will later use, to construct a Venn diagram  to compare and contrast one other planet to Earth. You will draw a diagram of the planets in order from the Sun.

You will investigate comets and be able to describe the characteristics of a comet.

You will describe an astronaut’s space wardrobe and tell how it provides protection when out in space.

                                                                                               

           SOURCES: 

NASA. (2008). The solar sytem . Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/solar_system.html

NASA. (2008). Space wardrobe. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/space_level1/wardrobe.html

NASA. (2008). Comets. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/comets.html

Enchanted Learning. (2008). Revolution and rotation of planets. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/activities/label/labelsolarsystem.shtml

Hamilton, C. J. (2008). Views of the solar system. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://www.solarviews.com/eng/homepage.htm

Enchanted Learning. (2008). Label the solar system diagram. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/solarsys/revolution.html

*All graphics from Microsoft Clipart*

                                                                                   

 

PROCESS: Begin here to investigate each planet in our Solar System. Read the information about each planet. As you read, click on the highlighted words and read the definition. You many need to reread when you are ready to start your Venn diagram. Write down notes in your notebook about the planet you will use to compare/contrast to Earth. After reading about each planet, construct your Venn diagram and then move on to the next activity.

Click here to learn about the clothing astronauts wear in space. After reading the selection, answer the following questions:

1.      True/False

An astronaut needs to wear gloves and a helmet at all times when traveling through space.

2.      What is the name of the special backpack astronauts wear while floating around in space?

 

Click here to read about comets. Afterwards, draw a comet in your notebook and list at least three characteristics of a comet.

Now that you have explored space, draw a diagram of our Solar System. Click on the pictures below for sites that can help guide you in creating a diagram. Don’t forget to label your objects.

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\MEDIA\CAGCAT10\j0301076.wmf            C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\MEDIA\CAGCAT10\j0215086.wmf                   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\MEDIA\CAGCAT10\j0335112.wmf

 

 

GUIDANCE: REFLECTION

            The purpose of this product is for students to learn more about space and to use technology in the classroom to gather information. Prior to this WebQuest, students will have basic knowledge about our Solar System, such as the number of planets and the names of the planets. Some may even know the order from the Sun. After the WebQuest, students should be able to answer questions about the planets, describe characteristics of a comet, and compare or contrast a planet to Earth. As an extension, students could create a space book including pictures and facts they gathered while completing the WebQuest.

            The activity could be improved by having children work in pairs. They would be able to assist each other with vocabulary and have small discussions about the content. If this is the students first WebQuest, the teacher could model how it should be completed. The activity could be expanded by having children research sites and compile a list that would be beneficial for other students looking for information about Space.

                                                                       

CONCLUSION: In this WebQuest, students explored the Internet to gather information about planets, comets, and astronauts. Students also compared/contrasted planets, illustrated comets, and completed diagrams.

 

Answers to questions:                                                          

1.      False

2.      MMU - manned maneuvering unit