Download Solar System Research Project

Solar System Research Project
Over the past week we have been discussing our solar system and the different
celestial bodies that it is composed of. Your project will be completed in
conjunction with a partner. Both you and your partner will be responsible for
researching, creating a presentation (in PowerPoint/Google Slides) and
presenting your findings to the class.
Contents
1. History: Contains a history of
your celestial body. Include such
things as when it was discovered,
by whom, why it was named as
such, etc.
2. Location: Tells where your
celestial body is located in
reference to the rest of the solar
system. If it is a planet, include
such things as orbital period,
distance from the Sun (in AU’s)
and rotation period.
3. Measurements: Contains information on the relative size of the celestial
body. (Diameter, mass, etc.)
4. Composition: Tells what you celestial body is made up of. If your
celestial body has an atmosphere, include that information as well.
5. Satellites: Contains information on your celestial body’s satellites. Are
there any, if so how many? Do any of the satellites have any interesting
characteristics?
6. Exploration: Tells whether or not we have sent any manned or
unmanned space probes to your celestial body. When were they sent?
What did they learn? If not see if there are any planned missions.
7. Photos: Be certain to include photos (actual if possible) of your celestial
body. But remember; do not overload your presentation with photos.
Below are some websites that you may find useful in your research:
The Nine Planets - http://www.nineplanets.org/
JPL Planets - http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/welcome.htm
Solar System Exploration (NASA) - http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/index.cfm
Windows to the Universe http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/our_solar_system/solar_system.html&ed
u=high
Your Weight on Other Worlds - http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/
Planet Data Collection WS
Name: __________________
Directions: Use internet research to collect as much information as possible
about your celestial body. If more room is needed, attach another piece of
paper. Be sure to list units and use scientific notation with large numbers. This
is to be handed in with your presentation.
Our group is assigned _________________
Draw the body’s symbol (if any):
Describe how it got its name?
Who discovered it? When? How?
Where?
Distances:
Order from the sun:
Distance from the sun in AU:
in km:
Distance from the Earth in AU:
in km:
*AU – Astronomical Units
Appearance - Write 3-4 sentences to describe what your celestial body looks like:
Rings - Provide information about the rings, number, composition, color, etc:
Satellites (Moons) – List all satellites. Provide a brief description and data when a
moon has significant information. Attach another piece of paper if necessary.
Composition – Describe the core and surface composition:
Core Composition:
Surface Composition:
Atmosphere – List the major and minor gases:
Major Gases:
Minor Gases:
Surface Conditions:
Wind speeds:
Temperature Ranges:
Surface Pressure:
Weather – Describe what kind of weather occurs on your celestial body:
Exploration – List all human explorations (from satellite probes). Include satellite name
and date: