Download “Create Your Own Planet” – In Class Project

“Create Your Own Planet” – In Class Project
Due Date: March 31, 2017
As part of our Astronomy unit, students (in groups) will create their own planets based on the
information they have learned about the planets of our solar system, and what makes them planets.
****In order to be considered a planet, a celestial body in the Solar System must orbit the sun, be
massive enough for its own gravity to make the revolution, and have cleared its orbit of smaller
objects.
Students will create either a physical or conceptual model (or both) to illustrate and explain the features
of their planet. ***Note: Physical models should be smooth Styrofoam balls, 8-10” in diameter, available
at all local craft stores (Michael’s, AC Moore, etc.) Only one Styrofoam ball is needed per group, not per
student.
Rubric:
The following components must exist and be incorporated into the final project.


Mass (if Earth = 1)
o Example: Mass = 5,492 (The planet has the same mass as 5,492 Earths)
Equatorial radius – miles or kilometers is acceptable

Distance from the sun – miles or kilometers is acceptable

Rotational period (in days)

Orbital (revolution) period (in days)

Mean surface temperature (minimum/maximum, Fahrenheit or Celsius is acceptable)

Atmospheric composition – what does the atmosphere consist of?

Any satellites (moons)

Does plant/animal life exist on your planet?

Is the terrain land or water – or is yours a gas planet?
Grading:
9-10/10 rubric bullets are included in the report = A – A+
7-8/10 rubric bullets are included in the report = B – B+
5-6/10 rubric bullets are included in the report = C – C+
3-4/10 rubric bullets are included in the report = D+
1-2/10 rubric bullets are included in the report = D
0/10 rubric bullets are included in the report (or project is not done) = F