Space: The Final Frontier

A WebQuest for 5th Grade Science
Designed by Josh Ames

amesj@epd86.org

Space Art Budget Editions

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits&References

Introduction

Can you stand on Saturn?  Which planet is fastest around the sun?  What planet is considered Earth's twin because of their closeness in size?  What planet can hold more than 1000 earths?  These are just a few things that you will learn while you investigate each of the nine planets. 

Students, we have just finished discussing what you know about our nine planets, now it's time to put your knowledge to the test.   
 

Task

It is your job to collect facts about each of the nine planets.  Each of you will be creating your own Planetary Trading Cards that you will share with your parents and classmates.

This is what you need to include on each Planetary Trading Cards:

  • Planet name (Who is your planet named after?)
  • Distance from the Sun (How many miles?) convert to miles by dividing kilometers by 1.6
  • Diameter (What is the distance across is your planet?)
  • Period of revolution (How long is one year on your planet in Earth years?)
  • Rotation period (One day on your planet equals how many hours/days on Earth?)
  • Moons (How many? What are their names?)
  • Temperature (How hot or cold is it?)
  • Other Interesting facts, include two (Special features. Does it have volcanoes, craters, rings, valleys, etc..?)
  • Last but not least, a drawing of the planet (Neatness counts)

Process

You will be working individually on this project.  Here are the steps and resources you will need to accomplish this task.

1.  Have a pencil handy when you go to the computer lab.
2.  Print out or get from the teacher your Data Collection Sheet
3.  Start by researching each planet by using these sites:

                            NASA for Students          Yahooligans in Space (browse)

                            Nine Planets.org             National Air and Space Museum

4.  Log your facts on the Data Collection Sheet. You will need five of these sheets.
5.  After you have collected your facts you will start working on your Planetary Trading Cards.  You will
     work  on the cards in class.  You can use markers or colored pencils when you illustrate your
     planets. 
 

Evaluation

You will be graded on how well you accomplish the task assigned to you.  Check out the rubric.

Conclusion

Were you able to answer what planet is fastest around the sun, or if you could stand on Saturn.  This WebQuest has taught you many new things about our neighboring planets, now go share it with someone!  Great Job!

Credits & References

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page             

painting courtesy Novaspace Galleries

rocket courtesy of Kids Domain