On this mission you will leave Tejas in search of new worlds to colonize. You must keep in mind that a planet can only be colonizable if it has oxygen, a hydrosphere, the temperature must not be to hot or cold, and it must have an atmosphere. Prior to your mission you must pick up a set of papers. These papers must be filled out properly as you research a planet. You will be asked to write a descriptive paragraph. Please make this paragraph exciting so that the people of Tejas will be interested in your findings. You will be divided into teams so that we can fully investigate the solar system. It is of vital importance that you are accurate with your findings, because we don't want to send some of our people to land on a star.
Objectives:
* Search our solar system for planets that contain life.
* Write a descriptive paragraph of what you saw.
* Make a recommendation about the ability to colonize your planet.
* Understand why many planets cannot sustain life
* Identify lifeforms that inhabit the planet.
Key Words: Before you embark on your journey, you may want to ask one of the instructors about the following words:
1. asteroids
2. comets
3. planet
4. rotation
5. orbit
6. axis
7. hydrosphere
8. atmosphere
9. astrology
10. satellites
11. biosphere
Note: You may also want to ask them about the Romans and Greeks!
Activities:
1. Get a report form. We have a small problem with this one. Tejas is running short on paper supplies, so you may have to make your own copy. I have provided a copy of the original to be used as a model. Use an 8.5 by 11 inch piece of paper to make your own official copy.
Here is an example of the report form you will be making.
2. Pick one of the following planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.
3. As you approach your assigned planet draw a picture of what you see in the square labeled planet. Note the specific kinds of colors. Does your planet have rings? Does it have satellites? Are there any distinguishing markings on your planet? Write the name of your planet below the diagram.
4. Draw the symbol of your planet in the square labeled symbol. You may have to go to the local universal library to find the answer for this one. Along time ago we had people called Romans and Greeks who thought they saw things in the sky and made symbols for them. They also gave these heavenly bodies names. Their historic information may be of importance, so go check it out! (Hint) Find a star chart.
5. Write a descriptive paragraph of what you saw. make it interesting, because I don't want to fall asleep while I'm reading your report .
6. List 5 facts about your planet. Conduct an investigation on the following things:
a. Is there oxygen?
b. Does your planet have a hydrosphere?
c. What is the temperature like on your planet?
d. Are there any lifeforms on the planet?
e. What is the weather like?
7. make a recommendation for colonization on your planet. Be prepared to explain your response.
8. Please let us see your work!
Go to the "The Nine Planets" homepage.Go to the "The Planet Facts" homepage.