Webquests on the Solar System

Astronomy is a topic which appeals to elders and children as well. It is riddled with mysteries and myths which scientists are trying to solve. Let us take a tour into the history, mystery and science behind the solar system. This solar system webquest helps students to explore and develop an understanding of the characteristics of each planet.

 Activity 1: Find Your Topic

Begin the class with a planetary puzzle. Divide your class into ten groups, one for each of the eight planets, one for sun and one more Pluto and give each group a puzzle. Let them find out the cosmic body hidden under and it is their topic for further exploration.

Activity 2: Discovery of Planets

1. Name the planets identified by ancient astronomers?
2. What does the word planet mean?
3. How did the ancient astronomers find the planets?
4. Name the planets identified with the help of telescopes?

Activity 3: Understanding Solar System

Topic: Sun

1. Is sun a planet?
2. Name the different layers of the sun?
3. How is energy produced in the Sun?

Now, direct students to find out the information about their chosen planet; it should include data on its mass, its distance from the sun, revolution and rotation periods and its surface peculiarities.

Topic: Planets

1. Which is the biggest planet?
2. Which is the smallest planet?
3. Which planet is near to the Sun?
4. Which planet is farthest from the Sun?
5. What is the peculiarity of Saturn?
6. Which planets do have rings?

Topic: Pluto

1. Is Pluto a planet?
2. Does Pluto have moons?
3. Who discovered Pluto?

Activity 4: Planets & Natural Satellites

1. Which are the planets without moons?
2. How many moons does Earth have?
3. Which is the planet with the highest number of moons?

Activity 5: Asteroids

1. What are asteroids?
2. Name the largest non-planet in the solar system?
3. What is the peculiarity of the asteroid Ida?

Activity 6: Comets

1. What are comets?
2. Which is the most popular comet?
3. Where do they originate?

Activity 7: Fun Facts about Solar System

Let each group explore through the interesting data on the solar system and direct each group to prepare a presentation on their cosmic body. Encourage them to search for more information on the basis of what they have found and guide them to use power point presentations, handouts and paper models to back their presentation.

Activity 8: Formation of Solar System

This interesting video on the evolution of solar system gives students a clear grasp on the subject. After the video let each group to present the report they have complied. Evaluate each group on the basis of the presentation they have made.

The solar system webquest can be made more fascinating by using different games based on solar system. The Astro-Matic 3000 is a very stimulating game which is both entertaining and educating.

Image Source:

http://science.nasa.gov/media/medialibrary/2010/03/31/planets_selectormap.jpg