Journey into Outer Space! What exists beyond the planet Earth. Answer questions about the Solar System!

The solar system is made up of the sun, nine planets, comets, and asteroids. Each of the nine planets has specific and distinct characteristics. They are different sizes, have different temperatures, environments, and atmospheres. Spend some time researching the planets on the following two websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/

http://library.thinkquest.org/18188/english/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/starwarp2.html

Directions: Use these websites to complete the following chart about the characteristics of each of the planets in the solar system. For each planet in the chart you will need to answer the following questions:

1. What number is this planet from the sun?
2. Describe the weather on this planet?
3. What is the temperature of the planet?
4. Describe the surface of the planet, for example are there mountains, volcanoes, etc?
5. Does this planet have any moons? What are the names of the moons?

The Solar System

Mercury

Venus

Earth

Mars

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

Pluto

Now, imagine boarding a rocket ship and going to one of these planets. Choose one of the planets to visit. In your science journal, write one paragraph describing your adventure. What does the planet look like? What will you find upon arrival? Be specific!