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Solar System: A Look at the Planets
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Details

Type of Product:Science Object
Average Rating:
 based on 6 reviews
Publication Title:Solar System
Publication Date:11/1/2006
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School


Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of four Science Objects in the Solar System SciPack. It explores the similarities and differences in the planets that make up our solar system. Each planet moves around the Sun in the same direction in a nearly circular orbit, though each planet has its own unique orbital period and speed. The planets vary in size, surface and atmospheric composition, and surface features. In orbit around the planets, we find a great variety of moons, flat rings of rock and ice debris, and/or artificial satellites. Features of many of the planets and their moons show evidence of formation and evolutionary processes similar to those that occur on Earth. These processes include earthquakes, lava flows, erosion, and changes in the atmosphere.


Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Learning Outcomes:

Solar System: A Look at the Planets

  • Describe, compare, and contrast the following basic features of the planets in our solar system: size, composition, atmosphere, periods of rotation and revolution, surface features, and ring systems.
  • Describe the similarities and differences between the terrestrial and Jovian planets.
  • Describe, compare, and contrast the characteristics of planetary moons in our solar system.

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Planets
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Inquiry learning, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge, Teaching strategies

Technical

Resource Format:application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, image/gif, image/jpeg, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player


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National Standards Correlation

This resource has 4 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 4 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Earth Science
    • Earth in the solar system
      • The earth is the third planet from the sun in a system that includes the moon, the sun, eight other planets and their moons, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets. (5-8)
  • Process Standards for Professional Development
    • Research-Based
      • Address teachers' needs as learners and build on their current knowledge of science content, teaching, and learning. (NSES)
    • Design
      • Introduce teachers to scientific literature, media, and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge. (NSES)
    • Learning
      • Build on the teacher's current science understanding, ability, and attitudes. (NSES)


Customer Reviews
Great Article
  Reviewed by: Andrea H on July 30, 2012
  Great information on the solar system.

Perfect amount of background
  Reviewed by: Laura on February 25, 2012
  This gave me just the right amount of background on the Solar System so that I feel I can answer my third graders' questions without having to check online. Just right. Thank you.

Check this one out!!!
  Reviewed by: Anthony O'Bannon on February 19, 2012
  A great way to start into a study of the planets and early planetary theory!

Good
  Reviewed by: Kelly (Brewster, NY) on January 19, 2012
  I'll be using pieces of this to help create my lessons. It was helpful.

Terrestrials vs Gas Giants
  Reviewed by: Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD) on December 8, 2011
  This is an excellent source for reviewing information as it pertains to the inner and outer planets of our solar system. From the small, dense terrestrial planets with rocky surfaces, to the much larger and more massive jovian planets, NSTA presents the material in a way to actively engage even the most apprehensive of learners. An added addition is the inclusion of the now ‘dwarf planet’ Pluto and its moon Charon. I especially like the videos and the pictures taken from various telescopes. The matching activity is definitely a bonus.

Good for Beginning Solar System Understanding
  Reviewed by: Kate Geer (Louisville, CO) on October 11, 2010
  This is a great resource to introduce teachers to the planet in the solar system. It gives good background information on each planet. It also have lots of visual images and charts to organize content. It discusses Pluto's change of status to a dwarf planet as well.

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