Tour of the solar system
Students, in groups, will research, design, and create a PowerPoint presentation on the planets. The class will then take a “tour of the solar system.”
A lesson plan for grade 6 Science
Learn more
- NASA covers current space exploration missions as well as giving general information about space exploration
- The Nine Planets a multimedia tour of the solar system
- Planetary Data Site profiles of the planets
- NSSDC Site planetary fact sheets
Related pages
- Robeson Planetarium/Science and Technology Center: A part of the public schools of Robeson County, this planetarium and science center specializes in programs geared to 3rd through 8th grade science.
- Horizons Unlimited: This wonderful education center and museum provides hands-on programs for students in the areas of history and the physical and biological sciences.
- Astronomy: Spark students' interest in outer space with this collection of great astronomy websites found in LEARN NC's Best of the Web.
Related topics
- Learn more about astronomy, compare and contrast, planets, science, and solar system.
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Learning outcomes
Students will:
- Identify size, composition, relative distance from the sun and ability to support life of the eight planets.
- Research and create a PowerPoint presentation on the planets.
- Present information about their planet to the class.
Teacher planning
Time required for lesson
1 week
Materials/resources
- science textbook
- information on the planets—see websites in sidebar
Technology resources
- computer lab
- PowerPoint software
- internet connection
Pre-activities
Students need to be exposed to the characteristics of the universe: size, composition, distance from sun, etc. Students don’t need to memorize these facts, just be aware of them.
Activities
- Divide students into eight groups. Assign each group a number—this will help to determine which group gets to choose their planet first.
- Students will then be allowed to choose which planet they would like to research. Since each planet must be chosen, groups must each choose a different planet. (This is not usually a problem, as most students want to do something different.) Draw numbers to determine which group gets to choose first.
- Students need to find information on history, size, surface characteristics, composition, and ability to support life.
- Give students time in class to research their planet.
- When students have finished gathering information, they should be given time in the computer lab to create their PowerPoint presentation.
- Students will then be given class time to show their presentation to the class. Listening students will be given a worksheet of questions about their tour through the solar system.
Assessment
Use the rubric for the PowerPoint presentation.
Answers to questions from the tour of the solar system.
Supplemental information
Attachments:
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 6
- Goal 5: The learner will build understanding of the Solar System.
- Objective 5.02: Compare and contrast the Earth to other planets in terms of:
- Size.
- Composition.
- Relative distance from the sun.
- Ability to support life.
- Objective 5.02: Compare and contrast the Earth to other planets in terms of:
