Before we jump into Unit 4, please rate yourself on the Unit 4 objectives from 1 (just starting) to 5 (mastered it!)
You may need to scroll horizontally to see all options
1 - getting started | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - mastered it | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analyze the components of the solar system, exploring their formation processes and interrelationships. | |||||
Evaluate and compare the historical theories of geocentrism and heliocentrism, assessing their impact on our understanding of the universe. | |||||
Apply and interpret Kepler's three laws of planetary motion in real-world scenarios. | |||||
Differentiate between asteroids, meteroids, meteors, meteorites, and comets. | |||||
Investigate the Earth and Moon's formation and early history |
We will be using the Solar System Explorer website.
Notice the zoom (scroll in or out) and pan (click & drag) controls. You may need to adjust your view at times.
You will be the following data: size (radius), mass, structure, average orbital distance from the Sun, and length of year.
You may want to click on an object and complete #1, 2, 4, & 6 for that planet before continuing on to the next planet.
Average orbital distance from the Sun (AU)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Size (Earth radii)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
What is the relationship between a planet’s distance from the Sun and the size of that planet? Support your answer with evidence.
Structure (rocky or gaseous)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
What is the relationship between an object’s size and whether its composition is gaseous? Support your answer with evidence.
Length of year (Earth years)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
What is the relationship between a planet’s distance from the Sun and the length of a year (the orbital period) on that planet? Support your answer with evidence.
Use the controls to increase the time rate.
What patterns do you notice about the orbits and rotation of the planets? Support your answer with evidence.
Match the planet to its unique characteristic
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Venus | arrow_right_alt | One day lasts almost 2 Earth months |
Earth | arrow_right_alt | Spins in opposite direction from other planets |
Mars | arrow_right_alt | Only planet to have confirmed plate tectonics |
Mercury | arrow_right_alt | Home of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system |
Match the planet to its unique characteristic
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Uranus | arrow_right_alt | Great Red Spot is a huge storm that has lasted over 100 years |
Neptune | arrow_right_alt | Rings are 400,000 km wide but as thin as a few meters in some places |
Saturn | arrow_right_alt | Rotates on its side |
Jupiter | arrow_right_alt | Sometimes Pluto is closer to the Sun than this planet |
Choose any object in the solar system and share a cool fact about it (that hasn't been shared above).
