9 Planets Project - 6th Grade

Good morning 6th graders!

This project will require you to work collaboratively as a team to research a topic and present your findings to your class. Your topic will be the 9 planets of our solar system. A few hints before you start - 1) you may need to visit all three links for your planet to find all your information, 2) you will definitely need to read and synthesize information to answer the questions and 3) your Cornell notes will be graded for this assignment as well as your oral presentations. Now good luck and follow the steps!

Step 1: Form a group of 3-4 people.
Step 2: Decide which person will research which planets and divide up the Cornell note paper.
Step 3: Each person will research their planets using the links below. You will need to answer the following questions for each planet in Cornell note style. (Your notes will be graded so make sure they are neat and well done - including the summary.)

- What does the planet's name mean and where did it come from?
- Who discovered the planet? When and how?
- How close is the planet to the sun?
- How large (diameter and mass) is the planet?
- Describe the plent's atmosphere and composition (makeup).
- Based on the planet's makeup (composition) and atmosphere, explain if it would be able to sustain human life. Why or why not?
- Compare this planet to Earth. (Do not answer this question for Earth.)

Step 4: After your group has completed your research, prepare a presentation for your class on your findings. Remember each person in your group must speak and you need to use effective oral communication skills (as discussed in class). Also be prepared to answer questions from your audience.

Links:

Earth
Astronomy.com - Earth
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Jupiter
Astronomy.com - Jupiter
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Mars
Astronomy.com - Mars
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Mercury
Astronomy.com - Mercury
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Neptune
Astronomy.com - Neptune
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Pluto
Astronomy.com - Pluto
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Saturn
Astronomy.com - Saturn
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Uranus
Astronomy.com - Uranus
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org

Venus
Astronomy.com - Venus
ThinkQuest.com (Click on Planets tab in the left navigation bar.)
NinePlanets.org