Exploring  

Our Solar System

A WebQuest for 2nd Grade Science Class

Designed by

Karen Heiskell and Connie Spencer
karen_m_heiskell@yahoo.com and spencerc2@shawnee.edu

iIntroduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


 

Introduction

 

We are part of a great solar system.  Our home planet, Earth, is just one of nine planets in our solar system.  Today, you get to be an astronaut and go on your first space mission.  You will explore all nine planets and even get to live on one for a day.  Good luck, cadets!

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The Task             

You will have 2 tasks to complete.

The first task is you must explore our solar system.  You will find out about each planet and then draw a map of what our solar system looks like.

The second task you must complete is you will choose a planet from the four planets provided.  You will live on one planet for a day and then create a billboard that should convince people to come live with you on your planet.  Have fun and good luck!

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 The Process 

Task 1:  Draw a map of our solar system starting with the sun all the way to the 9th planet.

  1. Click on each planet to find out its' name, color and position from the sun.
     

  2.  To find out the size look below and compare the planets. (Hint: The planets are in correct order)

     

  3. From the research, draw a picture of the 9 nine planets starting with the sun all the way to the last planet.  Include their names, proper color and size.
  4. After you are done, everyone will present their map of our solar system to the class.

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Task 2:  Live on a planet for a day and create a billboard to convince others to come live on your planet.

  1.  Choose one planet to research about what it would be like to live there for a day.  Choose either Mars, Jupiter, Saturn or Pluto.

  2. Click on your planet of choice;


     

  3.  Now design a billboard to convince people to come live on your planet with you.  On your billboard include at least 2 facts about your planet, a drawing to show what your planet might look like and makeup a slogan.  You can either draw your billboard, or you can use Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Word to create your billboard.
  4. When done, everyone will present their billboards to the class.
  5. Click the planet you want for:
     A sample of a billboard drawing of a Pluto
         A sample of a Microsoft PowerPoint billboard of Mars

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Evaluation                               

Your grade from this project will be a combination of one group grade and one individual grade.  Here how you can earn your "A"!!!

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Exemplary

4

Score

 

The Planet Map

 
Has all nine planets with some details
Has all nine planets in about the right order with most of the correct names
Has all nine of the planets in the correct order and with the correct name and each planet is around the right size and coloring
Has all nine planets in the correct order, about the right size and with the correct name and color

 

Planet Billboard

 

 

The billboard has at least one correct fact about the planet

The billboard has at least one correct facts about the planet and depicts the planet

The billboard has at least one correct facts about the planet, and depicts the planet and has a slogan

The billboard has at least two correct facts about the planet, and depicts the planet and has a slogan

Participation

Almost completes activities and presents them

 Completes at least one activity well and completes the other and presents them Completes both activities well and presents them Completes both activities well and on time and presents them

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Conclusion                             

Congratulation!!!  You completed your mission about the planets.  Hope you learned more about the solar system we live in.  If you want to learn more you can go to these sites for some interesting facts and games.

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Credits & References


 

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Last updated on July 21, 2004. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page